This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of aromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli essential oil combined with music in reducing dental anxiety and pain during anesthesia in children. Fifty-six children (6–10 years old) needing inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy with music group or a control group. The aromatherapy group inhaled Lavender-Neroli oil via a modified nasal mask and listened to their favorite music before and during anesthesia. Anxiety and pain were assessed using the Facial image scale (FIS), Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC) scale, and vital signs. Dental anxiety and vital signs (except SpO2) were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group (p < 0.05), with no significant difference in pain perception (p = 0.176). Aromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli oil combined with music appears to be a useful and safe non-pharmacological technique for managing dental anxiety in children.

Rama Abdalhai, Chaza Kouchaji, Rasha Alkhatib