Buzzy vs Counter-stimulation with Audiovisual Distraction for Pain and Anxiety Control during Inferior Alveolar Nerve...

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vibration and external cooling in contrast to counter-stimulation with audiovisual (AV) distraction in reducing pain and anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB).

The participants in the study included 36 children aged 6-10 years who needed dental work on their mandibular posterior teeth that called for IANB usage. A pulse oximeter was used for the objective measure, which was pulse rate. The patient selected the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS), and the observer recorded the face, leg, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scale among the subjective measures. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A: Buzzy, group B: Counter-stimulation with AV distraction group, and group C: Control group (IANB without intervention).

Comparison between groups revealed that the differences in pulse rates between the groups were statistically significant during the procedure (p = 0.035). Group B showed the highest mean pulse during the procedure. Regarding Wong-Baker scale results, after the procedure, group A (Buzzy) showed the lowest mean pain score, followed by group C, while group B showed the highest mean pain score, but the difference between groups did not reach a level of statistical significance (p = 0.19). Group B had the highest mean FLACC score, but the groups did not differ significantly.

Buzzy was more successful in lowering pediatric dental patients' perceptions of IANB pain as compared to counter-stimulation with AV distraction and conventional technique, but this effect was not statistically significant.

Children with dental anxiety have exaggerated expectations of pain. The use of the Buzzy device during IANB aids in improving comfort and cooperation in pediatric dental patients, supporting effective chairside pain and anxiety management. How to cite this article: Abdel Lattif NA, Abd-Alla NF, Alfadhli HA, et al. Buzzy vs Counter-stimulation with Audiovisual Distraction for Pain and Anxiety Control during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(2):117-123.