Hypnosis to help manage children in the dentist’s chair

It’s a challenge.

In this Cochrane review, researchers at the Military Dental Centre in Seeb, Oman, reviewed the evidence for hypnosis (with or without sedation).

First, the details.

• Studies of children and adolescents up to 16 years old were included.
• Participants were given any dental treatment — simple restorative treatment with or without local anesthetic, simple extractions, or management of dental trauma.
• 3 studies of 69 participants met the inclusion criteria.

And, the results.

• Statistical analysis and meta-analysis were not possible due to insufficient number of studies.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “Although there are a considerable number of anecdotal accounts indicating the benefits of using hypnosis in pediatric dentistry, on the basis of the 3 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for this review there is not yet enough evidence to suggest its beneficial effects.”

8/15/10 21:17 JR