Local anesthesia with SleeperOne S4 computerized device vs traditional syringe and perceived pain in pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Local anesthesia is performed in dentistry before clinical procedures to avoid pain. Children can show fear at the sight of the needle and pain at its insertion. To make local anesthesia more comfortable, the use of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) systems has been developed to control the flow rate of the anesthetic solution injected through the needle. The aim of the present research is to evaluate and compare the discomfort felt by patients using a traditional syringe and the CCLAD system SleeperOne®, by considering pain, size sensation, bitterness, and vomit. 30 patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to traditional anesthesia or CCLAD. After injection, patients were assessed for the abovementioned outcomes. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10 scores was used. As far as pain is concerned, statistically lower mean values were found in the Trial group (p < 0.05). Instead, concerning size, bitterness and vomit perceptions, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). Linear regressions were calculated considering technique, quadrant, dental arch, tooth, dentition, sex, and age as independent variables. The technique has shown to have a significant influence on pain (p < 0.05), with lower values for SleeperOne® device. Pain resulted significantly influenced by the type of dentition (p < 0.05), with higher scores for deciduous one. Moreover, perceived pain decreased with the increase of the age of patients (p < 0.05). At last, bitterness perception scores resulted to be higher for primary first molars (p < 0.05). SleeperOne® device seems to be a valid support for the reduction of pain related to anesthetic injection, especially in children. Further studies should evaluate CCLADs' uses combined with lidocaine preanesthetic as well as with conscious sedation through nitrous oxide in order to determine possible synergistic effects between these procedures.

The Influence of Family Milieu on Dental Anxiety in Adolescents—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…For example, many parents are concerned about the use of general anesthesia in pediatric dental treatment, a concern that can serve as a vicarious trigger for their children’s fear [ 36 ]. Moreover, while the use of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery may lead to a reduction in pain related to anesthetic injection, and as a result, to a reduction in anxiety [ 37 ], in the present study, local anesthesia was administered in the traditional way. Further studies, including more detailed information on the family milieu (e.g., including information about parents’ and siblings’ specific fears, attachment patterns, etc.)…”

The Effect of General Anesthesia on the Outcome of Root Canal Treatment in Pediatric Patients—A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Effective control of anxiety and pain plays a crucial role in pediatric patients’ compliance and general adherence to pulp therapy and dental treatment [ 1 ]. Pain management in pediatric patients includes local anesthesia, topical anesthetic, computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) systems [ 2 ] and cryotherapy to minimize pain and provide a positive dental experience for the patient [ 3 ]. General anesthesia (GA) or deep sedation are often required to complete necessary dental radiographs and/or treatment in young, uncooperative children [ 4 ].…”

Postoperative Pain of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia Visiting a General Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Various attempts have been made to reduce pain during local anesthesia in pediatric patients, including distraction techniques, topical anesthetics, and buffering of the anesthetic solution. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, has also been used as a form of analgesia for pediatric patients during local anesthesia procedures [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is inhaled through a mask and provides a mild form of sedation and pain relief [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, has also been used as a form of analgesia for pediatric patients during local anesthesia procedures [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is inhaled through a mask and provides a mild form of sedation and pain relief [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It is commonly used in combination with other forms of pain management such as local anesthesia injections, in order to reduce discomfort and anxiety in pediatric patients [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is inhaled through a mask and provides a mild form of sedation and pain relief [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It is commonly used in combination with other forms of pain management such as local anesthesia injections, in order to reduce discomfort and anxiety in pediatric patients [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Nitrous oxide has been found to be safe and effective for use in children undergoing various dental and medical procedures.…”