Comparison of the pain perception in children using comfort control syringe and a conventional injection technique during pediatric dental procedures

Abstract

To evaluate and compare the pain perception by the pediatric patients, while experiencing computerized injection device comfort control syringe (CCS) and the conventional injection technique during dental clinical procedures. Fifty children (31 boys and 19 girls) aged 6-14 years requiring local anaesthesia on both sides of the dental arch for various treatment procedures were selected for this study. The patients served as their own control, and on the appointed day CCS was used on one side of the dental arch and on the subsequent appointment, i.e., the very next day conventional injection technique was used. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and faces pain rating scale (FRS) were used to assess the child's pain perception to each of the techniques immediately after the injection. Various physiological parameters were measured before, during and after the two injection procedures and compared for statistical variation. Paired t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in the pain perception by children using VAS and FRS between computerized and conventional technique. No statistically significant difference was observed when physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and temperature) were compared at various intervals between the computerized and the conventional technique. Computerized injection device (CCS) provides less painful injections when compared to the conventional injection technique.