Neuromodulation as an Alternative to Local Anesthesia Injections in Pediatric Patients With MIH: A Split-Mouth Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Anesthesia
• Pain Management

Background:

• Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) presents significant challenges for effective dental anesthesia.
• Neuromodulation is explored as a potential alternative to traditional local anesthesia for MIH-affected teeth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulation in managing pain during vital pulp therapy for permanent molars affected by MIH.

Main Methods:

• A triple-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 35 children (aged 6-12) assessed pulpotomy pain.
• Participants received either neuromodulation (Synapse Dental Pain Eraser) or conventional local anesthesia.
• Pain was measured using the Sound, Eye, Motor (SEM) scale, with anesthesia need and satisfaction also recorded.

Main Results:

• The neuromodulation group reported a higher no-pain score (29%) versus the control group (20%).
• Supplemental anesthesia was needed in 11% of the neuromodulation group and 19% of the control group.
• No statistically significant differences were found between groups for pain scores or supplemental anesthesia needs.

Conclusions:

• Neuromodulation shows comparable pain management effectiveness to local anesthesia for pulpotomy in MIH molars.
• Further research into neuromodulation for MIH dental pain is recommended.