Pain perception following computer-controlled versus conventional dental anesthesia: randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Anesthesiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Dental injections are a primary source of patient fear and anxiety.
• Computer-controlled local anesthetic injectors aim to mitigate injection pain by regulating speed.
• This study compares pain perception between computer-controlled and conventional local anesthesia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare patient pain perception following computer-controlled local anesthesia (CCLA) versus conventional local anesthesia (LA).
• To assess the impact of operator experience on pain perception during local anesthetic administration.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Dental students and an experienced dentist administered local anesthetic injections.
• Pain perception, anxiety levels (Dental Anxiety Scale), and complications were assessed.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in pain perception was found for the initial puncture between CCLA and conventional injections (p=0.285).
• Pain perception during the injection phase was significantly lower with CCLA (1.65 ± 1.93) compared to conventional LA (2.49 ± 2.31) (p=0.029).
• Operator experience influenced pain perception during LA administration.

Conclusions:

• Computer-controlled local anesthetic devices significantly reduce pain during the injection phase of local anesthesia.
• CCLA does not significantly reduce pain upon initial needle puncture.
• Professional experience plays a role in the patient's pain perception during local anesthetic administration.