Effect of Cartoon-assisted Visual/Auditory Distraction Method in Paediatric Dental Patients

The hypothesis of this study was to reveal the positive effects of the visual/auditory distraction usage on anxiety, pain and behavioural control in paediatric patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of the cartoon-assisted audio/visual distraction technique usage on paediatric patient's anxiety, pain and behaviour during dental care. Children aged 4-9 years old who met inclusion criteria received restorative treatment in two sessions, with or without cartoon-assisted visual/auditory distraction technique. The parents were informed about the study following the initial dental examination of the patient and the written informed consents were obtained from parents of all participants included in the study. Following the initial dental examination, dental prophylaxis was performed to children. A behavioural assessment was done following a dental prophylaxis. Children who demonstrated a negative or positive attitude according to the behaviour assessment were selected. Although, children with definitely negative or definitely positive behavioural attitude were not selected. Subsequently, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1: Dental treatment was carried out with showing cartoon movie as a visual/auditory distraction during the treatment in the second visit (V2). The third visit (V3) did not consist any visual/auditory distractions. Group 2: Dental treatment was carried out without any visual/auditory distraction in the V2. The V3 consisted cartoon movie as a visual/auditory distraction. Paediatric patients were able to choose any of the 12 cartoon movies that have been approved by two paediatric dentists who carried out the study. Before each treatment session, parents were kindly requested to leave the operating room. Same treatment procedures were carried out in both groups during each visit in the following consecutive order. During each treatment session, corresponding measures were observed. Corresponding measure