The application of a needle-free system during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) ensured a
decrease in pain perception in children suggests a recent study published in
the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
Needle-free injection systems can contribute to the
prevention of needle-related pain during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA)
in children. Research on this subject in children is lacking.
The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the
effectiveness and patient preference of a needle-free system versus traditional
anesthesia (TA) on pain perception during PIA in children.
The study was designed as a randomized, controlled crossover
clinical study with 48 children aged 6–12 years requiring dental treatment with
PIA in bilateral maxillary primary molars. TA was applied on one side and the
Comfort-in™ injection system (CIS) on the other side in two separate sessions.
Then, patient preference was recorded. The pain perception during PIA was
evaluated using the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (PRS) and the Face,
Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Scale. The data were analyzed for
statistical significance (p < .05).
Results
- There were statistically significant differences
between the TA and the CIS according to the PRS and FLACC Scale scores. - On both scales, significantly higher pain
ratings were observed in the TA group during PIA (p < .001). There was a
statistically significant difference in terms of patient preference
(p < .001). - Although 77.1% (n = 37) of the children
preferred the CIS, 22.9% (n = 11) preferred the TA. Moreover, patient
preference for the CIS was significantly higher in older children (p < .01).
Thus, the application of a needle-free system during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) ensured a decrease in pain perception in children.
Reference:
Kaya, E, Yıldırım, S. Effect of a needle-free system versus
traditional anesthesia on pain perception during palatal injections in
children. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2022; 00: 1- 9. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13028