New research concludes that acupuncture helps to
reduce dental related anxiety. In a patient-blinded randomized controlled
investigation, researchers compared 182 patients. One group received true
acupuncture at auricular points. The second group received sham acupuncture (non-related
acupoints) and a third group did not receive acupuncture or any medical
procedures for the treatment of anxiety. The researchers measured anxiety
levels prior to getting acupuncture and 20 minutes after receiving acupuncture
which was immediately prior to the dental work. Anxiety levels in the true
acupuncture group reduced significantly and slightly in the sham acupuncture
group. In the non-intervention group, anxiety increased.
The researchers concluded that auricular
acupuncture is both minimally invasive and “effectively reduces state anxiety
before dental treatment.” The researchers suggest that acupuncture may provide
an option to patients suffering from anxiety prior to dental care.
Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS
Complete Dental Care
103 South Colorado Street
Salem , Virginia , 24153
540-387-3844
