Effect of Preoperative Virtual Reality Technology on Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Odontectomy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) interventions in alleviating preoperative anxiety among dental patients facing general anesthesia. The evaluation will seek to provide substantial evidence that can aid clinical decision-making regarding the implementation of VR as a preoperative anxiety reduction tool. This systematic review adheres to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and involved an extensive search of major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ESCOhost, for relevant studies published from 2011 to 2025. The review encompasses original research, literature reviews, and clinical trials focused on non-pharmacological methods aimed at reducing anxiety in patients who are undergoing odontectomy. A systematic review involving 28 studies identified 11 eligible studies focused on preoperative anxiety in odontectomy. The findings highlight that preoperative anxiety is prevalent, affecting both the psychological and physiological stability of patients undergoing this dental procedure. Findings showed that VR interventions significantly reduced preoperative anxiety compared to control groups. Immersive VR was slightly more effective than non-immersive VR in engaging patients and alleviating anxiety. The effectiveness of anxiety reduction was noted to be greater for minor procedures compared to complex surgeries. Sensitivity analysis verified the robustness of these results. VR-based interventions, especially immersive VR, have proven effective in alleviating preoperative anxiety among dental patients undergoing general anesthesia. The effectiveness of these interventions is influenced by factors, the type of surgical procedure, and the specific VR content utilized. These results endorse the use of VR in managing anxiety within dental anesthesia.