Pain perception and procedural tolerance with computer controlled and conventional local anesthetic technique: An in vivo comparative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the Pain Perception and Procedural Tolerance (PPPT) by the pediatric patients, while experiencing 'Computer Controlled Local Anesthetic Technique' (CCLAD, Wand) and 'Conventional local anesthetic technique'. Material and Methods: Fifteen subjects, of age 8-10 years requiring local anesthesia on both sides of the dental arch for the purpose of extraction were selected for this study. In this cross-over design study, randomization was done to allocate the type of local anesthetic technique to be used first, children who received CCLAD (Wand) during 'First Anesthetic Exposure' (FAE) visit subsequently received 'Conventional anesthetic technique' during 'Second Anesthetic Exposure' (SAE) visit and vice versa. Behavior assessment using 'Frankel's Behavior Rating Scale' (FBRS) and anxiety assessment using 'Faces Version of Modified Child's Dental Anxiety Scale' (MCDAS f ) were done prior to the anesthetic exposure. 'Wong Baker's Facial Pain Scale' (WBFPS) was used to assess the child's pain perception to each of the two techniques, immediately after the injection. Various physiological parameters like 'Heart Rate'(HR), 'Respiratory Rate'(RR), and 'Oxygen Saturation' were measured during pre-operative phase, LA-phase, post LA-phase, Extraction phase and post Extraction phase, during FAE and SAE. Results: Paired t-test revealed a very highly significant (P = 0.001) difference between CCLAD (Wand) and conventional during SAE. Non-significant difference was observed when physiological parameters were compared at various intervals between the two anesthetic techniques. Conclusion: CCLAD (Wand) provides lesser pain perception as compared to conventional local anesthetic technique.