Metallic syringe versus electronically assisted injection system: a comparative clinical study in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Pain Management
• Anesthesia Delivery Systems

Background:

• Local anesthetic injections in pediatric dentistry can be painful due to injection pressure.
• Electronically assisted injection systems aim to reduce injection discomfort.
• Buccal infiltration anesthesia is commonly used in pediatric dental procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and patient experience of a computer-controlled local anesthetic device (Wand STA) versus a conventional aspirating syringe for buccal infiltration anesthesia in children.
• To assess pain, heart rate, behavior, anesthetic quantity, and onset time associated with each delivery system.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 children aged 6-8 years.
• Each child received buccal infiltration anesthesia using both the Wand STA and a conventional syringe for pulpotomies on symmetrical primary molars.
• Pain, heart rate, behavior, anesthetic volume, and onset time were recorded for each method.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found between the computer-controlled device and the conventional syringe for any of the assessed parameters (p > 0.05).
• Both anesthesia delivery methods demonstrated comparable outcomes in terms of pain, physiological responses, and anesthetic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted anesthesia delivery systems, such as the Wand STA, are a viable alternative to conventional syringes for buccal infiltration anesthesia in pediatric dental treatments.
• Further comparative studies are warranted to evaluate computer-assisted anesthesia against other types of dental infiltration techniques.