Work

Effect of Aromatherapy and Music Therapy on Patients Anxiety, Pain and Physiologic Parameters During Extraction of Included Third Molars: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study evaluated the anxiolytic and analgesic effects of aromatherapy and music therapy in patients undergoing mandibular third molar extraction. BASIC PROCEDURES: A three-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted with 279 patients, divided into an aromatherapy group (93), a music therapy group (93), and a control group (93). Interventions took place during surgery. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and pain with a visual analog scale. Physiological parameters, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), were recorded. MAIN FINDINGS: The aromatherapy and music therapy groups demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in total, state, and trait anxiety compared to controls (reduction in total anxiety in the aromatherapy group: 3.11; 95% CI, 2.83-5.45; Rosenthal r, 0.28; P = .006; reduction in total anxiety in the music group: 6.01; 95% CI, 3.69-8.30; Rosenthal r, 0.52; P < .001; reduction in total anxiety in the control group: 1.47; 95% CI, 0.39-4.54; Rosenthal r, 0.21; P = .06). The intervention groups also showed reduced heart rate, SBP, and DBP (P < .05), and increased saturation (P < .05). Postoperative pain was significantly lower in these groups compared to controls (P < .05). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy and music therapy appear to be promising nonpharmacological strategies for reducing perioperative anxiety and pain during mandibular third molar extractions. Music therapy produced a greater reduction in anxiety levels, while aromatherapy showed a more pronounced effect on physiological parameters. Both interventions were associated with lower postoperative pain.

Source: Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2026.102236

Authors: ANTONIO FRANCISCO FERRÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ, ANA ROCÍO GARCÍA CARRICONDO, JAVIER TRENCHS SOTO, RAÚL ROMERO DEL REY, FERNANDO ESPÍN GÁLVEZ, RAQUEL ALARCÓN RODRÍGUEZ

Institutions: Complejo Hospitalario Torrecárdenas, University of Almería

Language: English

Topic: Music Therapy and Health

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,030