Effectiveness of hypnosis with the Dave Elman technique in third molar extraction: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (HypMol)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Extraction of a third molar is painful for patients, and this clinical condition can be used to evaluate the analgesic effects of pain treatments. For reduction of pain during third molar extraction, hypnosis can be beneficial. Under hypnosis and during follow up, patients receiving hypnosis showed less pain than patients not receiving hypnosis, and postoperative analgesic use was lower in patients with additional hypnosis during third molar extraction. The aim of this monocentric randomized controlled study is to test the effectiveness of hypnosis in patients with third molar extraction, taking into account patients’ expectations, treatment preferences and hypnotic depth. Methods A total of 33 patients with molar extractions on both sides will receive two types of pain-reducing interventions (randomized crossover trial) in order to investigate the effects of hypnosis. During one extraction, the patient will first receive hypnosis as an add-on intervention (the Dave Elman technique) and reduced medication during the third molar extraction. In the other molar extractions, patients will receive regular medication without hypnosis. The order of interventions and side of the third molar will be randomized. The primary outcome of the intervention is the area under the curve of pain intensity after the extraction (measured after extraction, 3\u2009h after extraction, in the evening, and at the first and second day after extraction). Secondary outcomes are pain medication and the preferred treatment after two appointments. Discussion We expect that the results of this study will improve knowledge about the effectiveness of hypnosis in a dental setting with a sound methodology. We can also explore working mechanisms such as treatment expectations and preferences about treatment outcomes.