Comparative Analysis of Pain And Anxiety Using Conventional, Insulin and Camouflaged Syringes During Administration of Local Anesthesia In 6–12-Year-Old Children : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The sight of dental injection can bring about severe anxiety in children. Therefore, convenient and effective alternatives that conceal the needle have been adopted by dentists to make local anesthetic administration more child-friendly. One of the most convenient practices is to use an insulin syringe that is smaller, colorful, and less frightening than conventional syringes. Another alternative is to use less threatening camouflaged syringes.

Objective: To evaluate and compare anxiety levels and pain perception using conventional syringe, insulin syringe, and camouflaged syringe during the administration of local anesthesia in children.

Materials and methods: Forty-five children aged 6–12 years who required buccal infiltration anesthesia in maxillary arch were selected and equally divided into three groups (A, B, C). Local anesthesia was administered using a conventional syringe to Group A participants and an insulin syringe for Group B participants. Group C participants were administered local anesthesia using a camouflaged syringe. Anxiety levels were assessed using Venham’s Picture Scale (VPS) and pulse rate at baseline and after administration of local anesthesia. Pulse rate was assessed using pulse oximeter. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS) was used to assess pain perception after the administration of local anesthesia.

Results: Postoperative VPS scores were significantly higher in Group A (mean 5.13 ± 1.64) compared to Group B (1.47 ± 1.51; p<0.03) and Group C (1.73 ± 1.03; p<0.02). WBFPRS scores were significantly lower in Group B (1.73 ± 2.25; p<0.01) and Group C (2.53 ± 2.20; p<0.02) compared to Group A (5.87 ± 2.56). The mean increase in pulse rate was significantly greater in Group A (27.2 ± 2.73 bpm) compared with Groups B (10.6 ± 2.6 bpm) and C (9.0 ± 1.93 bpm).

Conclusion: Both insulin and camouflaged syringes were significantly more effective than the conventional syringe in reducing anxiety and pain during local anesthesia in children. These child-friendly alternatives are recommended as effective substitutes for the conventional syringe in pediatric dental practice.