Researchers have found in a new study that Aromatherapy with levander may be a helpful intervention in the management of dental anxiety. Anxiety resulting from dental treatment often leads to avoidance of dental appointments and consequently has a negative impact on oral health. Non-pharmacological approaches have been identified as suitable alternatives for the management of dental anxiety. In this context, lavender oil has traditionally been used in aromatherapy (AT) due to its sedative, carminative, antidepressive, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The aim of the study was to perform a triple-blind randomized clinical trial to address the effectiveness of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil (ATL) on the dental anxiety of patients undergoing mandibular third molar surgery. Participants scheduled to undergo mandibular third molar surgery were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either the aromatherapy with lavender essential oil group or the control group. Dental anxiety was assessed using the preoperative Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Vital signs were evaluated before and after the intervention. Cortisol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used, and the requirements for anesthesia were determined. A comparison of the pre-operative MDAS scores between the aromatherapy with lavender essential oil and control groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.268). The levels of respiratory rate (RR) (p = 0.011) and heart rate (HR) (p = 0.021) significantly decreased in the aromatherapy with lavender essential oil group after the intervention. Also, the number of local anesthetic cartridges needed (p = 0.030) and cortisol levels (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the aromatherapy with lavender essential oil group.
The evidence suggests that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil could be helpful in the management of dental anxiety.
Reference:
Argueta-Figueroa, Liliana, et al. "Aromatherapy With Lavender Essential Oil for the Control of Dental Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Dental Surgery: a Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial." Dental and Medical Problems, vol. 63, no. 1, 2026, pp. 35-41.
Keywords:
Argueta-Figueroa, Liliana,Aromatherapy, Lavender, Essential Oil, Control, Dental Anxiety, Patients, Undergoing, Dental Surgery
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