(PO16) Evaluation of Hypnosis to Achieve Local Anesthesia in Endodontic Treatment

Abstract: Local anesthesia may represent a challenge in endodontics. Studies have shown that hypnosis may be effective in pain management and dental anxiety. The goal of this study was to determine the success rate of hypnosis in endodontic therapy. Twenty-one volunteer patients (10 males and 11 females; aged 30-45), referred to the Mashhad Dental School, Endodontics Department, presenting a pulpal diagnosis of asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis or pulpal necrosis, were invited to participate in this study. Medical and dental histories were recorded, and consent forms were signed. In the presence of the patient’s companion, the patient underwent hypnosis, and the time to reach suitable numbness was recorded. Then the patient was conditioned to a key. In the second session, hypnosis was performed using the conditioning keyword, and the time to reach numbness was recorded. The numbness was confirmed via cold and cavity tests, and endodontic treatment was performed. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher’s exact test, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Sixteen patients (76.2%) reached suitable numbness, while 5 patients (23.8%) did not have a suitable response. There was no difference between males and females (p > .05). The time to reach hypnotism the second time was significantly less than at the first appointment (p < .05). TThe use of hypnosis to induce local anesthesia during endodontic treatment in cases of asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis may be a useful tool. Hypnosis may also result in time-saving in case of multiple appointments.