Effect of Music Listening on Anxiety During Diode Laser Frenectomy

Dental anxiety, perceived stress, and postoperative pain can negatively affect patient comfort and cooperation during minor oral surgical procedures. Music listening is a simple, low-cost, and non-pharmacological approach that may help reduce anxiety and improve the perioperative experience.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in adult patients scheduled for diode laser frenectomy as part of routine periodontal care. Participants were allocated to either a music listening group or a control group. In the music group, patients listened to a pre-recorded instrumental music performance during the procedure. The music recording was performed by academic staff from the Department of Instrument Education, Turkish Music State Conservatory, Necmettin Erbakan University. Patients in the control group underwent the same routine diode laser frenectomy procedure without music listening.

The study evaluated patient-centered outcomes related to anxiety, perceived stress, and pain. Dental anxiety was assessed before and after the procedure using validated dental anxiety scales. Perceived stress was assessed before and after the procedure using the Perceived Stress Scale. Postoperative pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. In addition, participants in the music group completed a questionnaire about their experience with music listening during the procedure, including their comfort, satisfaction, and willingness to receive music during a similar treatment in the future.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether music listening during diode laser frenectomy could reduce anxiety, stress, and pain and improve patient comfort during routine periodontal surgical care.

• Music Listening (Behavioral), also known as Music Intervention, Music Listening During Frenectomy, Intraoperative Music Listening: Participants assigned to the music listening group listened to a pre-recorded instrumental Turkish music performance during diode laser frenectomy. The music was played as an adjunct to routine clinical care and was intended to improve patient comfort during the procedure. Participants in the control group received the same routine diode laser frenectomy procedure without music listening.

Primary outcomes

• Change in Modified Dental Anxiety Scale Score [Preoperative and immediately postoperative]: Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale before and after diode laser frenectomy. Higher scores indicate greater dental anxiety. The change in score from preoperative to postoperative assessment was compared between the music listening group and the control group.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 65 years Patients scheduled for diode laser frenectomy as part of routine periodontal treatment Patients who completed phase 1 periodontal treatment before frenectomy Patients who agreed to participate in the study and signed the informed consent form Patients who smoked fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, if applicable

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Patients with any uncontrolled systemic disease Pregnant or breastfeeding patients Patients younger than 18 years or older than 65 years Patients who smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day Patients who did not agree to participate or did not provide informed consent