Efficacy of an Innovative Device in Reducing Discomfort during Local Anesthesia Administration in Children: A Clinical Study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an innovative vibrating device and compare it with the conventional method in reducing discomfort during the administration of local anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children in the age-group of 4–8 years requiring local anesthesia for routine dental procedures were allocated to either a control or experimental group, with 20 children in each group. The preoperative assessment of behavior was carried out using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. Both groups received local anesthesia using the intraoral conventional approach. However, in the experimental group, a vibrating device was simultaneously placed over the cheek during local anesthesia administration. The SEM (sounds, eyes, motor) scale was used to assess the level of comfort or pain during the administration of local anesthesia. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and the level of significance was considered at 5%. RESULTS: The mean SEM score in the control group was 6.65 ± 21.95 which was significantly higher than 3.80 ± 1.15 in the experimental group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The vibrating device was useful and effective in reducing pain and discomfort during intraoral local anesthesia administration. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Subramaniam P, Ghai SK. Efficacy of an Innovative Device in Reducing Discomfort during Local Anesthesia Administration in Children: A Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):353–356.