Audiovisual technology for the management of presurgical anxiety in Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety in children has an incidence between 10% and 80%. It occurs mainly due to fear of the unknown, interfering negatively in the preoperative stage. Therefore, audiovisual technologies have been developed to anticipate the child's treatment under general anesthesia. This material especially captures the patient's attention, favoring their understanding and reducing their anxiety. Objective: To publicize the use of audiovisual technology for the management of preoperative anxiety in children. Case report: Considering the pre-surgical anxiety of the pediatric patient, an animated video called "The adventures of Osito in the operating room" was prepared. It tells the story of a bear who needs pediatric dentistry care under general anesthesia and the process he must go through to undergo it. This material was sent, 1 week before treatment, to children’s caregivers in the Diploma in Care under General Anesthesia and Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry, Universidad de los Andes. Discussion: Because care under general anesthesia is a source of anxiety for the child, preoperative preparation is advisable. Audiovisual technology allows teaching this process, in a didactic and entertaining way, capturing the pediatric patient's attention, and decreasing their anxiety. Conclusions: Children have difficulty in the management of preoperative anxiety, so audiovisual technology is a very helpful tool in the preparation for pediatric dentistry care under general anesthesia. Stress management is a fundamental part of the treatment, so the operative success should consider the emotional integrity of the child and his or her environment.