Novel dental anaesthetic and associated devices: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>In oral health, local anaesthesia is crucial for managing pain and discomfort. Typically, anaesthesia is administered by injecting an anaesthetic solution using a needle and syringe. However, new technologies have been created to aid oral health therapists in reducing pain and discomfort during local anaesthesia administration. The purpose of this study is to analyse and investigate alternate local anaesthetic delivery systems, such as current equipment, technologies, and associated devices that help reduce injection discomfort. In addition, information gaps and limitations of existing studies will be highlighted to guide future studies. The protocol for scoping available evidence, mapping key concepts, and identifying gaps for future research is detailed in this manuscript.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis guidelines were used to create this protocol. Six electronic databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Dentistry and Oral Science Source, and Scopus, and two other search engines, Google and Google Scholar, will be searched for all relevant primary and secondary studies, grey literature, and other sources relating to new technologies have been developed to assist dentists in providing reduced pain and discomfort when administering local anaesthesia. Two reviewers will independently evaluate the sources retrieved using the eligibility criteria defined by the Population Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. To track the number of identified, included, and excluded sources, a PRISMA-ScR flowchart will be used. A data extraction table will display the extracted data and variables. The synthesised results will be accompanied by narrative explanations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of this review will be summarised to aid in identifying limitations in existing research and provide guidance and recommendations for future research for health professionals.</p>