Comparison of different techniques used for inferior alveolar nerve block anaesthesia regarding the pain caused in cooperative children.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the application of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anaesthesia in children with traditional plastic syringe (TPS) and computer-controlled injection device Dentapen^® using two different modes [continuous mode (DC) and ramp-up mode (DR)] in terms of pain.

Methods: This study included 96 children aged 7-12 who were determined to be positive (3) or definitely positive (4) according to the Frankl Behaviour Evaluation Scale and in need of treatment who had IANB anaesthesia indication in the right and left regions. Patients were divided into three groups and compared in terms of pain felt during IANB anaesthesia according to heart rate, oxygen saturation, Wong Baker Pain Rating Scale, Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability Pain Scale and patient preference distributions.

Results: Heart rate values increased significantly during the injection of IANB anaesthesia with all methods [TPS, DC and DR methods (p < 0.05)]. No significant differences were found in terms of pain between the TPS, DC and DR methods in the intragroup and intergroup assessments. However, among the patient preferences of TPS and DC methods, the number of patients who preferred the DC method was found to be statistically significantly higher those who preferred the TPS method (p = 0.026).

Conclusion: Although the TPS group scored higher than the Dentapen^® groups in terms of pain, the difference between the investigated IANB anaesthesia techniques was not statistically significant. However, the majority of the patients preferred the Dentapen^® device compared to the TPS. It appears that more research is needed on the Dentapen^® device in local anaesthesia applications in children.