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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
14:56
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Comparative Evaluation of Pain Perception and Postoperative Pain in Children with Precooled Injection Sites Using
Harsh S Baldawa1, Deepa Gurunathan1
1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Popsicle precooling significantly reduced pain during local anesthesia and after tooth extraction in children. This simple, cost-effective method enhances pediatric dental pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Pain Management
- Cryotherapy
Background:
- Pain management is crucial in pediatric dentistry, impacting children's dental experiences and future cooperation.
- Local anesthesia (LA) and postoperative pain after tooth extraction can cause anxiety.
- Nonpharmacological methods like cryotherapy show promise for pain reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare pain perception during LA administration.
- To assess postoperative pain in children receiving popsicle precooling versus no precooling.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 48 children aged 4-9 years undergoing primary tooth extraction.
- Three groups: control (no precooling), standard popsicle precooling, and choice popsicle precooling.
- Pain assessed using Wong-Baker FACES and FLACC scales during LA and 30 minutes postextraction.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in pain scores were observed during LA and postextraction (p < 0.001).
- Both popsicle precooling groups reported significantly lower pain scores than the control group.
- No significant difference in pain reduction was found between the standard and choice popsicle groups.
Conclusions:
- Precooling injection sites with popsicles effectively reduces pain perception and postoperative discomfort in children.
- This method is simple, cost-effective, and child-friendly.
- Popsicle precooling is a valuable addition to pediatric pain management strategies.
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