Comparing Pain and Anxiety Levels during Local Anesthesia Administration Using Intra- and Extraoral Vibratory Systems

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Pain Management
• Anxiety Control

Background:

• Children with trypanophobia (fear of needles) often experience anxiety during healthcare visits.
• Dental professionals are exploring innovative methods like vibrating devices and cold temperatures to reduce pain during local anesthesia (LA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of intraoral and extraoral vibratory systems against conventional LA in managing pain and anxiety in pediatric patients.
• To assess pain perception and anxiety levels in children undergoing dental procedures requiring LA.

Main Methods:

• 120 children (aged 6-10) requiring dental LA were randomized into three groups: conventional LA, intraoral vibratory system, and extraoral vibratory system.
• Anxiety was monitored via pulse oximetry.
• Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in anxiety levels were observed among the groups.
• Pain scores, as measured by the VAS, were significantly lower in the intraoral and extraoral vibratory system groups.
• FLACC scale scores did not show significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Intraoral and extraoral vibratory systems serve as effective complementary tools for conventional local anesthesia.
• These vibratory systems show promise in reducing pain perception during dental LA in children.