Enhancing Dental Sedation Protocols with Vibrotactile Trigger (VTT) Patch Technology: A Pilot Study in Clinical Dental Practice

Authors: Dr. Amanda Romine-Nelson, PharmD, RPh and Dr. Lou Stylos, DMD

Abstract

This white paper presents findings from a pilot clinical study exploring the use of haptic vibrotactile trigger (VTT) patch technology as a non-pharmacologic adjunct to traditional sedation in dental patients. The study evaluates patient-reported and physiological outcomes, including anxiety, sleep quality, and sedation medication requirements. Initial results from a sample of 6 patients suggest that VTT therapy has the potential to reduce anxiety, stabilize vital signs, improve sleep quality, and lower sedative dosages during oral procedures.

Background

Dental anxiety is a common barrier to effective oral healthcare. Pharmacological sedation is frequently used to manage this anxiety, but these medications carry risks including adverse reactions, drug interactions, and delayed recovery. Haptic vibrotactile trigger technology, delivered through the Super Patch, has emerged as a novel neuromodulation tool engaging the skin-to-brain connection to influence calm and cognitive control. This pilot study explores its application in a dental setting to determine its potential to improve patient comfort and reduce reliance on pharmacologic sedation.

Study Objective

To evaluate the clinical utility of VTT therapy in reducing sedation medication dosage, patient anxiety, and improving sleep quality in patients undergoing dental procedures requiring oral sedation.

Methods

Study Design: This ongoing, non-randomized, observational study was conducted at a private dental practice under the direction of Dr. Lou Stylos in partnership with Dr. Amanda Romine-Nelson, PharmD. Patients undergoing sedation-based dental procedures were invited to participate in the study. Informed consent was obtained using the standardized form (see Appendix A).

Participants: Eight patients (to date as of Sept 2025) consented to participate in this phase of the study. Inclusion criteria involved previous experience with sedation protocols and a willingness to wear the Super Patch as directed. In this preliminary finding, six of the eight patients to date are being evaluated.

Protocol: Patients received standard sedation medications, including:

• Diazepam (5-10 mg orally) the night before.
• Triazolam (0.5 mg orally) 90 minutes prior.
• Hydroxyzine (100 mg orally) and Triazolam (0.25-0.75 mg sublingually) on the day of the procedure.

The experimental variable was the use of two Super Patches: one clear (cognitive patch/REM) for four consecutive nights prior to the sedation appointment and one blue (Peace patch), applied the night before the sedation appointment per protocol.

Data collection included:

• Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation) were recorded pre- and post-procedure.
• Anxiety and sleep quality were self-rated by patients using 1–10 scales.
• Sedation quality and medication usage were evaluated by the dental team.
• Patients and staff pre- and post-visit completed a series of four questionnaires (see Appendix B).

Preliminary Findings

Results from the first six patients reveal consistent trends supporting the benefit of using a vibrotactile trigger (VTT) patch in conjunction with traditional sedation protocols. The following observations were documented:

• 83% (5/6) of patients reported reduced anxiety the night before and/or the day of their procedure.
• 83% (5/6) of patients noted improved sleep quality while wearing the patches for four nights prior.
• 100% (6/6) of patients presented with stable vital signs (BP, HR, O2 saturation) before their procedures.
• 50% (3/6) required reduced sedation medication dosing compared to previous procedures.
• 100% (6/6) received positive feedback from companions or staff, including ease of check-in and recovery.
• 67% (4/6) reported shorter recovery times post-procedure.
• 83% (5/6) stated they would choose to use the patch again in the future.
• No adverse events related to patch usage were reported.

Ongoing Work in Progress

Summary of Questionnaire Responses

Patient-Reported Sleep Quality:

• 5/6 (83%) reported improved sleep quality over the three nights prior to the procedure.
•  Multiple patients also noted vivid or frequent dreaming, potentially reflecting deeper REM cycles.

Patient-Reported Anxiety:

• Average anxiety rating dropped from an estimated 7.8 (pre-patch) to 4.0 (post-patch).
• 5/6 (83%) described their anxiety as significantly reduced compared to previous sedation experiences.

Dental Staff Observations:

• 3/6 required less sedation medication than during prior visits.
• Sedation quality was described as ideal in most staff evaluations.
• All six patients were noted as easier to transport and check in by staff and companions.

Patient Feedback Post-Procedure:

• Common themes: Increased calmness, shorter recovery times, and more comfortable experience.
• 5/6 said they would prefer to use the patches again.

Conclusion

The integration of vibrotactile trigger (VTT) patch therapy, via the Super Patch system into dental sedation protocols demonstrates promising outcomes as a non-pharmacologic adjunct. Preliminary data from six patients in this ongoing pilot study suggest measurable benefits, including reduced self-reported anxiety, improved sleep quality, more stable vital signs, and, in several cases, a reduced need for sedative medication.

Importantly, these effects were achieved without adverse reactions, and both patients and clinical staff reported favorable experiences. The patches were well tolerated, easy to apply, and enhanced overall patient cooperation and comfort. While limitations such as small sample size and lack of a control group remain, the trends observed warrant continued investigation.

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