Auricular acupuncture for dental anxiety: a randomized controlled trial

METHODS: Patients having dental extractions were randomized to auricular acupuncture, placebo acupuncture, and intranasal midazolam and compared with a no-treatment group. RESULTS: The auricular acupuncture group and the midazolam group were significantly less anxious at 30 minutes after the treatment as compared with patients in the placebo acupuncture group. In addition, patient compliance assessed by the dentist was significantly improved if auricular acupuncture or application of intranasal midazolam had been performed.