Effect of Buzzy Bee in Reducing Pain Perception during Local Anesthesia in Children: A Split-mouth Crossover Study

Diverting the child's mind from unpleasant stimuli is the major technique employed, allowing a more comfortable and less stressful dental experience. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a noninvasive externally cold and vibrating pain-reduction device in reducing pain perception during intraoral local anesthetic (LA) administration in children.

A sample of 39 children aged 6-10 years scheduled for bilateral dental procedures requiring local anesthesia were recruited for the crossover study. Two visits were scheduled for procedures at each side, with an intervening washout period of 7 days. The study sample was randomly allocated to two groups, alternatively receiving the intervention at each visit. Participants' subjective assessments of pain were measured using the Wong-Baker facial expressions rating scale. The pain that was witnessed was documented using the sound, eyes, and motor (SEM) scale, and parents were asked to assess their child's pain tolerance from 1 to 10. The pulse rate and behavior levels based on the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) were also recorded.

Subjective pain scores reduced significantly in the test group compared to the control group at both visits (p < 0.001). Pain scores of both parental (p < 0.05) and SEM scale (p < 0.001) demonstrated significant reduction in the test group only at the first visit. No significant differences were noted in pulse rates and behavior levels.

The externally cold and vibrating pain-reduction device appears to effectively reduce pain perception during intraoral LA administration in children.

Vishwanathaiah S, Maganur PC, Areshy RA, et al. Effect of Buzzy Bee in Reducing Pain Perception during Local Anesthesia in Children: A Split-mouth Crossover Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(11):1390-1396.