Learning curve of intraligamentary anesthesia in dental education: a prospective, cross- sectional trial

Abstract

Background This study aimed to investigate dental students' learning curve performing intraligamentary anesthesia (ILA) in a prospective cross-sectional preclinical trial using different syringe systems.Methods Dental students performed ILA using three devices (two manual and one computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system [CCLAD]) in two different sessions, each on a second premolar. The success rate was evaluated via a cold test, and students assessed penetration and injection pain using a numeric analog scale. Students' opinions about handling, nervousness, impact, and influence were evaluated via the Likert Scale.Results Seventy-six students participated and performed a total of 339 injections. The overall success rate increased (rate1 = 83.2%; rate2 = 86.0%; p = 0.157) while penetration and injection pain decreased between the first and the second session (pp < 0.01; pi = 0.37). In the second session, the anxiety and handling of each syringe system increased. Undesired reversible side effects occurred in 13% of cases.Conclusion Administering ILA in dental curricula has the potential to reduce students' anxiety levels, improve technical familiarity with ILA, and strengthen self-confidence before their first contact with patients.Clinical Relevance ILA should be implemented in dental education several times using various syringe systems.