Comparison of computer-controlled versus conventional local anesthesia delivery systems: a randomized clinical trial

Pain perception during dental procedures is a common cause of patient anxiety. The aim of this study was to compare the pain perception during anesthetic injection and patient preference between a conventional local anesthesia technique and a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (CCLAD) system.

A randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients who received both conventional and computerized local anesthesia using the SOGA Smart II device. A 2% lidocaine with epinephrine (1.8 ml, 1:100,000) was used for both techniques. In maxilla, infiltration technique was used and in mandible, Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block was administered. The pain during injection was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests.

The mean VAS score for conventional anesthesia was 4.20 ± 1.16, and for the CCLAD system was 2.23 ± 1.23. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). No gender-based differences in VAS scores were observed. The majority of patients expressed a preference for the computerized system.

The SOGA Smart II CCLAD system significantly reduces pain perception compared to conventional techniques. Most patients favored the electronic delivery method, suggesting its potential role as a patient-centered approach to reducing injection-related discomfort in selected clinical settings.

Trial was registered retrospectively with the registration number: TCTR20250517004, dated 17th May, 2025.