Investigation of the role of binaural beats and 432 Hz frequency music on anxiety and stress during impacted mandibular third molar surgery

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the effects of two distinct auditory interventions — 432 Hz music and binaural beats — on individuals' levels of stress and anxiety in the preoperative phase of impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Preoperative anxiety in dental settings can significantly hinder patient cooperation and influence treatment outcomes. Therefore, identifying non-pharmacological strategies that can alleviate anxiety without introducing additional medical risk is of growing importance. This research was designed as a randomized, controlled, and single-blind clinical trial to explore the potential of music-based interventions in this context. A total of 84 systemically healthy participants were enrolled and randomly assigned into three groups: a control group (n=28), a binaural beats group (n=28), and a 432 Hz music group (n=28). Interventions were administered during the preoperative waiting period, and measurements were conducted both before and after the interventions. The parameters evaluated included the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), salivary cortisol levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation. Each participant was exposed only to the auditory condition corresponding to their group assignment. The findings revealed that both auditory interventions significantly reduced anxiety and stress markers across psychological and physiological domains. However, the 432 Hz music group demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of lowering cortisol levels, improving vital signs, and reducing subjective stress ratings compared to the binaural beats group. Although binaural beats also yielded notable improvements, the degree of change was less pronounced than that observed in the 432 Hz condition. These results indicate that variations in musical frequency and structure can differentially impact the human stress response. In conclusion, the study underscores the value of music therapy as a non-invasive and effective tool for managing dental anxiety in surgical contexts. The use of 432 Hz music, in particular, shows promise for clinical implementation given its calming effects on both psychological perception and physiological indicators. By incorporating both subjective and objective measures, this research contributes meaningful data to the growing body of literature on auditory-based interventions. The findings suggest that systematic integration of such techniques into dental practice could enhance patient comfort, reduce procedural distress, and foster a more holistic approach to oral healthcare. Keywords: Dental Anxiety, Music Therapy, Binaural Beats, 432 Hz Music