Comparative evaluation of two behavior guidance techniques in reducing pain perception and anxiety during local...

The combination of local anesthesia (LA) and distraction techniques effectively reduces procedural pain and anxiety, enhance cooperation, and promote positive dental experiences in children. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hands-Eyes-Mouth Distraction Technique (HEM-DT) and the Covering Patient's Vision Technique (CPV-T) on pain perception and anxiety during local anesthesia administration in children aged 6-12 years.

Fifty-two healthy children aged 6-12 years requiring LA were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: those receiving the HEM-DT, and those receiving the CPV-T. Anxiety was assessed subjectively using the Animated Emoji Scale before and after the intervention, while pulse rate was recorded using a pulse oximeter before, during, and after LA. Pain perception was measured during LA using the Sounds, Eyes, Motor (SEM) scale and after LA using the colored analog scale. Physiological data were analyzed using independent t-tests for intergroup comparisons, and paired t-tests with repeated-measures ANOVA for intragroup analysis. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate intragroup anxiety scores, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparisons of anxiety and pain scores.

Intragroup comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in pulse rates before, during, and after LA (P < 0.001). Intergroup comparisons also showed statistically significant differences in pulse rates during and after LA. Anxiety scores decreased significantly in the HEM-DT group (P < 0.001), which also had lower mean SEM and colored analogue scale pain scores than the CPV-T group (P < 0.001).

HEM-DT was effective in reducing pain and anxiety during LA administration in children.