Comparison of Pain Perception for Nasopalatine Nerve Block using Conventional and Computerized Local Anesthesia Delivery Systems in Adults: A Randomized Split-mouth Clinical Study

Abstract

ABSTRACTIntroductionProfound local anesthesia (LA) is necessary in order to reduce patient discomfort during oral surgical procedures. However, injection technique itself may be a potentially painful procedure. A comfortable and consistent LA can increase the level of trust between the patient and the operator, since even a thought of intraoral injection causes a considerable amount of anxiety in many patients. To reduce this anxiety, a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (CCLAD) system is commercially available as a possible means of minimizing the sensation of pain (especially for palatal injections).AimThe aim of the present study was to compare the pain perception, when injections were administered using the CCLAD system or a conventional technique in patients requiring oral surgical procedures in the maxillary anterior region.Materials and MethodsThis randomized split-mouth study included 15 patients (7 females and 8 males). Conventional syringe or computerized single tooth anesthesia (STA) system with a 30-gauge needle was used to give nasopalatine nerve block by the same operator, over a minimum gap of 7 days. Immediately after injection, patient's pain perception was assessed using numeric rating scale (NRS). Overall difference in pain perception and effect of change in sequence of type of anesthesia were determined using unpaired t-test.ResultsResults of the study showed statistically significant difference between the pain scores of STA system and conventional injection technique; however, the change in sequence of anesthesia technique did not show any effect on the effectiveness of STA system.ConclusionThe STA system significantly reduces the pain perception after administration of nasopalatine nerve block in adults.Clinical significanceUse of STA system for administration of nasopalatine nerve block in adults provides better patient acceptance and pain control over conventional cartridge syringe.How to cite this articleKohale BR, Agrawal AA, Erlewad D. Comparison of Pain Perception for Nasopalatine Nerve Block using Conventional and Computerized Local Anesthesia Delivery Systems in Adults: A Randomized Split-mouth Clinical Study. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(3):177-180.