Research Offers a Better Understanding of How Music Aids with Pain Management in Dentistry
Music is often used to help patients relax during dental treatment, but evidence suggests that listening to music actually helps patients manage pain during treatment. The June 2019 volume of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS) featured a study that examined the effects of music on a patient’s autonomic nervous system and psychological state during the extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar. The prospective study involved 40 patients already scheduled for extraction. Theywere randomly divided into two groups: extraction without music (control group) and extraction while listening to music (music group). Heart rate variabilitywas recorded during the extraction, and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were recorded before and after the procedure. In the control group, the researchers noted an increase in low-to-high frequency ratios during incision and flap reflection, bone removal, and separation of the tooth crown. However, in the music group, the ratio was significantly lower during these same points. The music group also had significantly lower postoperative STAI State Anxiety scores from preoperative levels when compared to the control group.
Researchers concluded that “listening to music while undergoing extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar suppresses activity of the sympathetic nerves during incision, flap reflection, bone removal, and separation of the tooth crown, and relieves anxiety after treatment.” These findings match previous studies that have examined music as an aid to pain management in other areas. A 2016 pilot study published in the Indian Journal of Palliative Care looked at the effect of music therapy on pain and anxiety in cancer patients. Researchers reported that “a single session of music therapy is effective in significantly reducing cancer pain when used along with standard palliative care ...” A different study on fibromyalgia syndrome, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that “listening to music ‘for the reason of ‘activation’ or ‘relaxation’” showed “beneficial effects on control over pain.” The team behind the recent JOMS study have stated that “future studies will focus on the mechanisms involved and methods to prevent the onset of systemic incidents.” There is still more research to consider in this area, but there may come a daywhen patients are encouraged to request their favorite song before treatment begins.
Summertime Gazpacho
Have a Laugh
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
INGREDIENTS Gazpacho, an Andalusian soup made of blended vegetables and traditionally served cold, is the perfect refresher on a warm summer day. DIRECTIONS
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2 1/2 lbs ripe tomatoes; cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 small cucumber; peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 red bell pepper; cored, seeded, and sliced into ribbons 1 small Vidalia onion, peeled and cubed
1. Place a blender and mediummixing bowl on your workstation. 2. Divide the tomato chunks, cucumber pieces, and bell pepper slices evenly between blender and bowl. Place entire onion in blender. 3. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to blender. Blend on low, gradually raising speed to high until smooth, about 2 minutes. 4. Add blender contents to bowl and mix until just broken up, about 10–20 seconds. 5. Let mixture sit in fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Transfer to bowls and serve.
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1/4 cup basil leaves 1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
● 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
● Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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