Lavender aromatherapy and calming music to reduce anxiety during children's dental x-rays

Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Aromatherapy and Music Therapy on Anxiety in Children Undergoing Oral Radiological Examination for the First Time

Not applicable Interventional Nigde Omer Halisdemir University · NCT07542665

This trial will test whether lavender aromatherapy, calming music, both together, or routine care best lower anxiety in children having their first panoramic dental x-ray.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorNigde Omer Halisdemir University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Niğde)
Trial IDNCT07542665 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Children having their first panoramic radiograph will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: aromatherapy with lavender oil, calming music, both aromatherapy and music, or routine care without added interventions. Aromatherapy will be delivered before the procedure and music will be played through a speaker during the procedure. Anxiety will be measured with the Facial Imaging Scale (FIS) immediately before and after the radiographic examination. The study is conducted in a pediatric dental clinic setting and focuses on short-term anxiety changes around the imaging visit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children who need a panoramic dental radiograph, have no prior dental radiographic experience, can understand and cooperate with the procedure, and whose parent or guardian provides written consent.

Not a fit: Children with hearing or smell impairments, those taking medications that affect anxiety or heart rate, those with systemic or neurological disorders, or those unable to cooperate are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost, noninvasive approaches could reduce children's anxiety during dental x-rays and improve cooperation and overall care experiences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pediatric and dental-setting studies of lavender aromatherapy and calming music have reported mixed but often modest anxiety reductions, so the approach has some supporting evidence but is not universally proven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children requiring panoramic radiography for dental examination
2. No previous history of dental radiographic procedures
3. Ability to understand and cooperate with the procedure
4. Provision of written informed consent by parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of hearing or olfactory impairment
2. Use of medications that may affect anxiety levels or heart rate
3. Presence of systemic or neurological disorders
4. Inability to cooperate with the study procedures
5. Refusal of the child or parent/guardian to participate

Where this trial is running

Niğde

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dental Anxiety in ChildrenPediatric AnxietyAromatherapyMusic therapyPanoramic radiographyDental anxietyPediatric dentistry
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.