Pain and Anxiety Levels Using Conventional versus Computer-Controlled Local Anesthetic Systems in Pediatric Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the pain/anxiety levels associated with the anesthetic process by conventional and computer-controlled delivery systems (CCDS) in children. Four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Dentistry & Oral Science Source/EBSCO) were comprehensively explored for eligible studies, in English or Spanish, published from January 1995 to December 2019. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA statement, including only randomized controlled clinical trials. An exhaustive search was performed in different electronic databases under a specific PICO-posed question. Relevant studies were selected based on titles and abstracts, and the full texts were retrieved. From these articles, important information was extracted. Wand demonstrated significantly lower pain than the conventional injection did. In the subgroup by pain scale analysis, the Facial Image Scale and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale showed a significant difference in favor of the CCDS. In general, the reviewed evidence shows that less perceived pain and anxiety occur when the local anesthetic technique is performed with a CCDS than with the traditional technique.

Comparison of the Effects of Articaine and Lidocaine Anesthetics on Blood Pressure after Maxillary Infiltration Technique: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Aside from type of anesthetic drugs, the technique of the injection is important for appropriate anesthesia [ 17 , 18 ]. The routine injection technique for anesthesia of maxillary teeth is infiltration technique.…”

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

“…The results obtained in the current work also confirm the findings of recent reviews and meta-analyses. For instance, Pozos-Guillén and colleagues [5], concluded that Wand® caused significantly lower pain than the conventional injection. In the subgroup by pain scale analysis, the Facial Image Scale and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale showed a significant difference in favor of the CCLAD system.…”

“…In more recent years, in addition to those mentioned above, a new approach has been developed consisting of the use of computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) systems [4,5]. The concept behind these systems is to incorporate a computer technology to control the flow rate of the anesthetic solution injected through the needle.…”

The Use of Modern Technologies by Dentists in Poland: Questionnaire among Polish Dentists

“…Pozos-Guillén et al delivered a meta-analysis about children’s pain and fear levels during dental local anesthesia with the use of a standard syringe and CCLAD. The analysis shows that lower levels of negative emotions occurred when CCLAD was used [ 33 ]. In our study, 42.86% of respondents use CCLAD, but only 10.8% of them think that it is more effective than local anesthesia with the conventional syringe.…”