Virtual reality to ease anxiety during wisdom tooth surgery
Official title: Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality on Anxiety During Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Hanoi Medical University · NCT07853014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial tests whether wearing a VR headset with relaxing scenes before and during mandibular third molar removal reduces anxiety compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hanoi Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hanoi, Hanoi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07853014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older scheduled for surgical removal of a mandibular third molar with Pederson difficulty score ≥5.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who experience no anxiety reduction with VR or who have contraindications to VR use may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center randomized trial will enroll 120 adults undergoing extraction of a mandibular third molar. Participants will be stratified by baseline trait anxiety and randomized to immersive virtual reality using a Meta Quest 3 or standard care, with the VR session starting 2–3 minutes before local anesthesia and continuing through surgery. The same surgical protocol will be used for all participants. Primary outcome is state anxiety during surgery measured by STAI-S; secondary outcomes include intraoperative pain, immediate postoperative satisfaction, and postoperative pain, swelling, mouth opening, wound healing, analgesic use, adverse events, and VR acceptability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VR could reduce intraoperative anxiety and improve patient comfort during wisdom tooth surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar approaches in other procedures have shown potential anxiety-reduction benefits with VR, though results vary by setting and population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years or older. Indication for surgical removal of a mandibular third molar. Mandibular third molar with a Pederson difficulty score of 5 or higher on panoramic radiography. General health status permitting oral surgery, with no current acute infection, swelling or acute pain at the surgical site. Able and willing to provide written informed consent and comply with the study procedures and scheduled follow-up visits. Exclusion Criteria: Severe psychiatric disorder, severe dizziness or a history of significant motion sickness that may interfere with use of virtual reality. Systemic medical conditions that do not permit surgical treatment, including uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or current use of immunosuppressive medication. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Current or previous radiotherapy involving the maxillofacial region.
Where it's running
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School of Dentistry, Hanoi Medical University
Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Van Thang Nguyen, DDS, MSc — The University of Danang - School of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Study coordinator: Van Thang Nguyen, DDS, MSc
- Email: drthangvan@gmail.com
- Phone: +84 849999942
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.