More tooth tunes? Music therapy during root canal
A while back, there was a toothbrush that played music to encourage kids to brush their teeth. That was fun.
Now, researchers from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan have studied the potential benefits of music therapy for a more serious activity — root canal treatment.
First, the details.
- 44 adults were randomly assigned to hear music or to a control group.
- The music group listened to selected sedative music using headphones throughout root canal treatment.
- The control group subjects wore headphones but without the music.
- Heart rate, blood pressure, and finger temperature (an indicator of tension or anxiety) were measured before, during, and at the end of the root canal treatment.
- Anxiety was measured before and at the end of the treatment.
And, the results.
- Those in the music group showed a significant increase in finger temperature and a decrease in anxiety score over time vs. the control group.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The findings provide evidence… [for] the use of soothing music for anxiety reduction in patients undergoing root canal treatment.”
Another success for tooth tunes.
11/16/08 19:00 JR
