Computerized anesthesia delivery system vs. traditional syringe: comparing pain and pain-related behavior in children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a traditional syringe with the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a computerized device (Wand) and to differentiate between the reactions of highly anxious children with those displaying low anxiety. One hundred and twenty-five children aged 4-11 yr were randomly allocated to receive local anesthesia with the Wand or a traditional injection. Parents completed the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS). Two independent observers scored videotapes of the anesthesia in 15-s intervals. The occurrence of muscle tension, crying, verbal protest, movement, and resistance was registered and a score was given on the Venham distress scale. The mean injection time with the Wand was four times as long as with the traditional syringe. During the first 15 s of the injection, low-anxious children receiving local anesthesia with the Wand displayed less muscle tension, less verbal protest and less movement than children receiving local anesthesia with the traditional syringe. Within the high-anxious group no differences were found. It was concluded that low-anxious children seem to benefit from the use of the Wand instead of the traditional syringe in receiving local anesthesia.