Inhalation of Lavender Essential Oil for the Management of Anxiety and Pain During Dental Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the lavender essential oil effects on pain and anxiety in dental patients. Material and Methods: Forty patients, aged 18-60 years, undergoing dental procedures were randomly assigned to lavender essential oil (experimental group; n=20) or negative control (n = 20). In the essential oil group, participants inhaled pure lavender essential oil under supervision 5 times, 15 minutes before the dental procedure, directly from the bottle held at a distance of 15 cm. In the negative control group, participants inhaled five times, under supervision, a hydroalcoholic solution directly from the bottle held at a distance of 15 cm, 15 minutes before the dental procedure. Pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and anxiety with the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Results: Baseline anxiety ranged from mild (6-10) to moderate (11-15), with no spontaneous pain (score 0). Both groups reported mild treatment-related pain (VAS: 1.2 experimental vs 1.7 control; p > 0.05). The experimental group showed significantly greater anxiety reduction post-treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Lavender inhalation positively modulates pain perception and significantly reduces anxiety, suggesting a cost-effective adjunct in routine dental practice.