A pain perception comparison of intraoral dental anesthesia with 26 and 30 gauge needles in 6-12-year-old children

Abstract

The aim was to compare, in vivo the pain perception of children to local anesthesia (LA) using 26 gauge and 30 gauge needles with different age, sex, and visits. A total sample of 30 children (16 boys and 14 girls) who were undergoing routine dental procedures was selected for the study. Children were assigned into two groups: Group A: 12 children aged 6-8 years Group B: 18 children aged 9-12 years. Informed consents were obtained from parents. The objective and subjective behavioral parameters were evaluated by student t-test and Chi-squared analyses, and significance was idealized at P < 0.05. The mean pain scores for 26 gauge needles was found to be 2.80 whereas for pain scores for 30 gauge needles were found to be 2.37. The mean difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001). The mean pain score in first visit for patients who received LA with 30 gauge needles was found to be 2.00, whereas for second visit was found to be 2.61. The mean pain difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.01). No significance was seen in relation to age and gender. The pain due to injection penetration might be controlled by using thinner gauge needles in spite of difference in pain perceptions. During a child′s first dental visit, use of less pain provoking armamentarium would aid in relieving anxiety and desensitize the patient slowly.