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Comparative Evaluation of Pain Assessment Using Star Pen and Conventional Injection Technique during Inferior
Swanandi Kelkar1, Preetam Prakash Shah1, Shweta Chaudhary1
1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Background:
Managing pain and anxiety during dental procedures is a major concern in pediatric dentistry. The method of local anesthetic delivery significantly influences a child's dental experience. Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is commonly associated with discomfort and anxiety in pediatric patients.
Aim:
To compare the efficacy, patient perception, and physiological response of a computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) system (Woodpecker Star Pen) with a conventional syringe during IANB administration in children aged 6-10 years.
Materials And Methods:
A randomized, split-mouth crossover trial was conducted on 50 cooperative children requiring bilateral IANB. Each participant received both injection techniques (Star Pen and conventional syringe) in two separate appointments. Pain perception, behavior [sound-eye-motor (SEM) scale], heart rate changes, and injection duration were recorded and analyzed.
Results:
The Star Pen significantly reduced pain scores (1.44 ± 1.82) compared to the conventional syringe (3.24 ± 1.94) (p < 0.001). SEM scores were lower for the Star Pen (4.02 ± 1.23) than the conventional syringe (5.59 ± 2.18) (p < 0.001). A significant increase in heart rate was observed with the conventional syringe (p = 0.001), while the Star Pen showed no such effect (p = 0.527). Injection duration was longer with the Star Pen (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The Woodpecker Star Pen CCLAD system provides a more comfortable and less distressing experience for children compared to the conventional syringe, making it a favorable alternative for delivering IANB in pediatric dental settings.
How To Cite This Article:
Kelkar SM, Shah PP, Chaudhary SM, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Pain Assessment Using Star Pen and Conventional Injection Technique during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Injection in Children Aged between 6 and 10 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(8):980-986.