Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil for the control of dental anxiety in patients undergoing dental surgery: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to perform a triple-blind randomized clinical trial to address the effectiveness of AT with lavender essential oil (ATL) on the dental anxiety of patients undergoing mandibular third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants scheduled to undergo mandibular third molar surgery were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either the ATL 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. RESULTS: A comparison of the pre-operative MDAS scores between the ATL 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 ATL 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 ATL group. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that ATL could be helpful in the management of dental anxiety.