Intercomparison of Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Precooling Vibration Device on Pain and Anxiety Management during Administration of Local Anesthesia Injection in 6-12-year-olds.

Abstract

To compare and evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and a vibrational precooling system in reducing pain and anxiety during the administration of local anesthesia in children aged 6-12 years old. A total of 60 children aged 6-12 years old participated in this randomized controlled trial and were randomly allocated to three groups: the conventional method group, the vibrational precooling system group, and the TENS group. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), pulse rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded to assess the preoperative anxiety of the participating children. Sound, motor, and eyes (SEM) and face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scores were recorded during the procedure, along with pulse rate and oxygen saturation, to measure pain during the procedure. This was followed by a self-administered visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the discomfort felt by the child. A statistically significant reduction in pain was observed with the usage of the vibration system and TENS, as measured by the FLACC scale, compared to the conventional method group. Similarly, statistically significant differences in SEM scores were noted between the vibrational precooling system group and the conventional method group, as well as between the TENS group and the conventional method group, with the highest scores observed in the conventional method group. The children reported the highest comfort levels with the usage of the vibration system, as indicated by the self-administered VAS. However, no statistically significant difference was observed within any group. The new vibrational precooling system as well as TENS can be effectively used to alleviate the pain experienced during the administration of local anesthesia. Singh K, Jhingan P, Mathur S, et al. Intercomparison of Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Precooling Vibration Device on Pain and Anxiety Management during Administration of Local Anesthesia Injection in 6-12-year-olds. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):297-302.