Comparative Evaluation of Pain Perception with Conventional and Septoject XL Needle in 6-8-year-old Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aims and background: To evaluate and compare pain perception with Septoject XL and conventional needles in 6-8 years old children.

Materials and methods: In this split-mouth randomized controlled trial, a single-blinded study, 24 children (6-8 years) were assigned at random to receive the local anesthetic (LA) injection for treatment needs either with Septoject XL or conventional needle for the first visit in one of the quadrants, while during the second visit in a different quadrant with the other one. Children's pain levels were assessed during each visit using an objective sound eye motor (SEM) scale and subjective Wong-Baker faces rating scale (FRS).

Results: The mean objective score rating using SEM for the conventional needle (3.8 ± 2.35) and Septoject XL needle (3.3 ± 2.01) was not found to be statistically significant among the two study groups Septoject XL or conventional needle (Z score-0.996, p = 0.3). Using the Wilcoxon test, the mean subjective rating score was not found to be statistically significant among the two study groups [Z score = 0.636 and p-value = 0.524, nonsignificant (NS)]. In the gender-wise comparison of male (n =15), (6.8667 ± 91548) and female (n = 9), (6.8889 ± 1.05409), NS mean ages of male and female study participants was observed (p = 0.873).

Conclusion: Statistically, NS difference was observed in the pain perception while administration of LA using Septoject XL or conventional needle in 6-8-year-old children.

Clinical significance: This research can be useful in the selection of the gauge of the needle to be used while planning the treatment for different behavior groups.