Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat
Published on: November 21, 2025
The assessment of pain sensation during local anesthesia using a computerized local anesthesia (Wand) and a
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
This study found no significant difference in children's behavior during dental local anesthesia administration using a conventional syringe versus a computerized device. Both methods proved equally effective for pediatric dental pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Assessing children's behavior during dental procedures is crucial for effective treatment.
- Local anesthesia administration can cause anxiety and discomfort in pediatric patients.
- Novel devices aim to improve patient comfort during injections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the behavioral responses of children receiving local anesthesia via a conventional syringe versus a computerized dental injection device (the Wand).
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover design involved 102 children (ages 3-10) receiving local anesthesia with either the Wand or a traditional syringe.
- Each child served as their own control, receiving anesthesia via both methods across two clinical sessions.
- Behavioral reactions were assessed based on crying, facial expression, and body movements.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in children's behavioral reactions (crying, movements) were observed between the Wand and conventional syringe techniques.
- This finding was consistent across different age groups (3-5 and 6-10 years) and sexes.
- Reactions were similar for maxillary infiltration and mandibular block injections, regardless of the device used.
Conclusions:
- Experienced pediatric dentists can achieve similar pain behavior outcomes in children using either a conventional syringe or a computerized device for local anesthesia.
- The study supports the use of both methods for maxillary infiltration and mandibular block.
- Further research is recommended for palatal and periodontal ligament injections.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the behavior reaction of children who received local anesthesia with a conventional syringe injection and a computerized device (Wand).
Methods:
One hundred and two children ages 3 to 10 years were selected for this study. In 1 group there were 55 children between the ages of 3 to 5 years old, and in the other group there were 47 children ages 6 to 10 years old. They all needed at least 2 clinical sessions of operative procedures, preceded by a local anesthetic injection, 1 on either side of the same jaw. The local anesthesia was delivered using either the Wand or the traditional syringe. A random crossover design was used so that each child served as his/her own control.
Results:
There were 25 girls and 30 boys in group A (mean 4.1 +/- 0.6 years), and 26 boys and 21 girls in group B (mean 7.2 +/- 1.3 years). Most of the children had a good reaction to both techniques of local anesthesia. No significant difference in either group was found between boys and girls. The children's reactions to injection in the mandible or the maxilla with the Wand or the conventional technique, regarding crying, facial expression, hands, legs and torso movements were similar with no statistically significant difference. There was no statistical difference when the maxillary infiltration was delivered to 1 or multiple teeth. No significant difference was found when the Wand was delivered during the first or second visit.
Conclusions:
The results suggested there was no difference in the pain behavior of children during the administration of local anesthesia with a conventional injection or a computerized device when the operator was an experienced pediatric dentist. This was true for maxillary infiltration and mandibular block. For other techniques, such as palatal injection and periodontal ligament injection, more studies should be conducted.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
01:24Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
01:16Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...