Needle-Free System in Pediatric Dentistry

The application of a needle-free system during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) ensured a decrease in pain perception in children, suggests a recent study published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry.

Needle-free injection systems can contribute to the prevention of needle-related pain during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) in children. Research on this subject in children is lacking.

Study Purpose

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness and patient preference of a needle-free system versus traditional anesthesia (TA) on pain perception during PIA in children.

Study Design

The study was designed as a randomized, controlled crossover clinical study with 48 children aged 6–12 years requiring dental treatment with PIA in bilateral maxillary primary molars. TA was applied on one side and the Comfort-in™ injection system (CIS) on the other side in two separate sessions. Then, patient preference was recorded. The pain perception during PIA was evaluated using the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (PRS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Scale. The data were analyzed for statistical significance (p < .05).

Results

• There were statistically significant differences between the TA and the CIS according to the PRS and FLACC Scale scores.
• On both scales, significantly higher pain ratings were observed in the TA group during PIA (p < .001).
• There was a statistically significant difference in terms of patient preference (p < .001).
• Although 77.1% (n = 37) of the children preferred the CIS, 22.9% (n = 11) preferred the TA.
• Patient preference for the CIS was significantly higher in older children (p < .01).

Thus, the application of a needle-free system during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) ensured a decrease in pain perception in children.

Reference

Kaya, E, Yıldırım, S. Effect of a needle-free system versus traditional anesthesia on pain perception during palatal injections in children. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2022; 00: 1-9. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13028