How Music Can Ease Your Anxiety During Root Canal Procedures: Insights from Published Research

As an endodontist, I’m always looking for ways to make your experience in the dental chair as comfortable as possible. A study published in the September 2016 issue of the Journal of Endodontics by Di Nasso et al. has shed light on an intriguing, yet underutilized method to help reduce patient anxiety and pain perception during endodontic procedures: music.

Understanding the Study

Di Nasso and colleagues conducted a study to evaluate how listening to music can influence patients’ anxiety levels and their perceptions of pain during endodontic treatments. The idea was simple yet powerful: can something as enjoyable and accessible as music make a stressful experience more bearable?

Key Findings

Reduced Anxiety Levels: The study found that patients who listened to music during their root canal procedures reported significantly lower levels of anxiety compared to those who did not listen to music. This finding suggests that music can be a valuable tool in helping patients feel more relaxed and at ease during their dental visits.

Lower Perception of Pain: In addition to reducing anxiety, the patients who listened to music also reported feeling less pain. This effect is likely due to the way music can distract the brain and create a more pleasant environment, thereby reducing the focus on discomfort.

Improved Overall Experience: Patients who had the opportunity to listen to music during their procedures often described their overall experience more positively. This improvement in patient satisfaction is crucial as it can lead to better cooperation during treatments and a more favorable view of future dental visits.

Why Music Works

Music has a unique ability to influence our emotions and physiological responses. When we listen to music we enjoy, our brains release dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and relaxation. This response can help counteract the stress and anxiety often associated with dental procedures.

Furthermore, music can serve as a distraction, drawing your attention away from the unfamiliar sounds and sensations of the dental tools. This distraction can make the entire process feel shorter and less intense.

How We Incorporate Music into Our Practice

At our practice, we understand the importance of creating a comfortable and soothing environment for our patients. Based on the findings of Di Nasso et al., we offer our patients the option to listen to music of their choice during their procedures.  We have Amazon Echo devices in each room and have access to the entire Amazon Music Library and SiriusXM Satellite Radio Stations.

Tips for a More Relaxing Dental Visit

    •    Communicate Your Preferences: Let us know what genre of music you would like to listen to, or if you have a favorite artist. We have a very broad taste in music, so do not be shy in requesting what would make you feel most comfortable during the visit.

    •    Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises or visualization can complement the calming effects of music.

    •    Stay Positive: Remind yourself that you’re taking an important step for your dental health. A positive mindset can make a big difference.