A clinical comparison of pain perception and extent of area anesthetized by Wand(®) and a traditional syringe

BACKGROUND: In the contemporary dental practice, alleviation of pain is the most important factor to ameliorate patient's condition and to gain one's confidence towards the skills of the operator. Such confidence aids to the ultimate success of the treatment procedures. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study compares the pain response of a group of 10 subjects to the Wand(®) with the response to traditional syringe injections and also compares the extent of the area anesthetized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 subjects were selected for the study and 20 injections were given contralaterally to them, 10 with Wand(®), and rest with the traditional aspirating syringe. Each subject received 2 injections on the palate, Left side with Wand(®) (test) and Right side with Traditional syringe (control). All injections were given by the same investigator without the use of topical anesthetic spray/gel. Pain perception levels were recorded with a visual analogue scale. Also the extent of area anesthetized with a single palatal injection was assessed by probing. RESULTS: The results showed injections with the syringe were more painful than injections with the Wand(®) in 2 of 10 subjects. Also the extent of the area anesthetized by both the techniques was similar except in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: The Wand(®) results in less painful injections; however, mean ratings of pain for both the groups, were mostly below the annoying level of pain. Also, the areas covered by the anesthetic effect of both the injections were comparatively similar.