CompletedNot Applicable

Controlling Gag Reflex During Endodontic Diagnostic Radiography

Saudi Arabia30 participantsStarted 2024-09-01

Plain-language summary

Intraoral radiography plays a vital role in endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. However, many patients experience discomfort during periapical radiographic procedures due to factors such as a pronounced gag reflex and dental anxiety, making the process difficult and distressing. Managing these issues is essential for enhancing patient cooperation and improving overall treatment experience. This study investigates the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) interactive distraction as a noninvasive method to control gag reflex and improve patient comfort during intraoral radiography. While VR has shown promise in reducing dental anxiety in various procedures, its effectiveness in managing gag reflex during diagnostic endodontic radiography remains largely unexplored. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing the gag reflex in adult patients undergoing routine periapical radiographs for maxillary molar teeth. Secondary objectives include assessing patient preferences, experiences, and satisfaction associated with the use of VR. The study involves patients who require bilateral intraoral diagnostic radiographs of maxillary molars. Each patient will undergo two radiographs: one with standard procedure (Control - Group 1), and the other using VR distraction (Experimental - Group 2). A randomized, computer-generated list will determine which side will receive the VR intervention. Gag reflex scores will be measured before and after the procedure, pre- and post-procedure anxiety levels will be recorded using Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Additionally, a structured questionnaire will assess patient satisfaction and experience with the VR device. Physiological indicators such as pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will be recorded to evaluate any changes associated with the use of VR. This study aims to generate evidence on whether VR distraction can be an effective tool for controlling gag reflex and improving patient tolerance, ultimately enhancing the quality of care in diagnostic dental radiography.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (over 18 years old) visiting the Al-Rass dental clinics of the College of Dentistry and undergoing bilateral maxillary molar periapical radiographs for endodontic diagnostic purposes. * Patients who are willing to collaborate in the study and willing to sign the written informed consent. * Classified as class I, II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System. * Patients exhibiting a gag reflex of "moderate" to "very severe" according to the classification of the Gagging Problem (CGP) index Exclusion Criteria: * Mentally or medically compromised patients. * Patients with acute pain, such as acute pulpitis, which require emergency treatment. * Pregnant women. * Patients on any medications for the past two weeks. * Patients who refuse to participate in the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Severity of gagging

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-procedure) and periprocedural (during X-ray film placement) on Day 1.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07236138

SponsorQassim University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-01-08

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Gagging trials