Lavender vs Bitter Orange Aromatherapy to Reduce Anxiety and Pain in Pediatric Local Anesthesia

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of lavender essential oil and bitter orange essential oil aromatherapy in reducing dental anxiety and pain in children during the administration of local anesthesia. Children aged 6-12 years undergoing dental procedures requiring local anesthetic infiltration will be randomly assigned to lavender aromatherapy, bitter orange aromatherapy, or placebo (empty inhaler). Dental anxiety will be assessed using pulse rate and blood pressure measurements, while pain will be evaluated using the FLACC behavioral pain scale. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the role of aromatherapy as a non-pharmacological, safe, and cost-effective behavior guidance method in pediatric dentistry.