Pain perception in paediatric patients: evaluation of computerised anaesthesia delivery system vs conventional infiltration anaesthesia in paediatric patients

Authors

  • FS Ludovichetti DDS, PhD, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua
  • A Zuccon DDS, PhD, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua
  • G Zambon DDS, Resident, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua
  • G Pellegrino DDS, Resident, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua
  • AG Signoriello DDS, Resident, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua
  • E Milia DDS, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Sassari
  • A Bortone DDS, Dental Unit, Department of Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Sassari
  • A Gracco DDS, Associate Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua
  • S Mazzoleni DDS, Aggregate Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.02.06

Keywords:

Pain perception, Computerised anaesthesia delivery sistem, Infiltration anaesthesia

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of a computerised system (QuickSleeper) compared to traditional syringe in injection of local anaesthetic focusing on the perception of anxiety and pain in paediatric patients. METHODS: Study design: 100 children aged between 3 and 15 years in need of two dental treatments that required local anaesthesia were selected and treated randomly but alternately with computerised and traditional local anaesthesia. After each anaesthetic injection, patient's anxiety was measured using the Venham test. CONCLUSION: The computer-assisted anaesthesia system resulted in a significantly lower pain perception score and yielded to helpful, cooperative behaviour. For this reason, it is an advantageous alternative to traditional injection anaesthesia and can avoid invasive treatments and trauma for young patients.