Publication

Abstract : Introduction: Needle and dental phobia is very common. While topical anesthetic spray has been routinely employed in general practice before the administration of local anesthesia, several other methods for the reduction of pain have been employed with superior success. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of the mucosal vibration technique and topical anesthetic spray technique to reduce pain during the administration of local anesthesia. Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial (split-mouth design) was done among 15 patients aged between 14 and 45 years requiring extraction of maxillary premolars for orthodontic treatment. On one side, extraction was performed using topical anesthesia, and on the other side, mucosal vibrations were used. Buccal and palatal infiltration injections were given before the extraction of teeth. The pain was recorded using Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS) and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) pain scales. The study protocol has been registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/09/028135). Results: It was observed that the mucosal vibration technique caused a significant reduction in pain perceived compared to the topical anesthetic spray technique (p < 0.05) during the administration of local anesthesia in both buccal and palatal aspects. Conclusion: Mucosal vibrations were found to be effective in reducing discomfort during the administration of local anesthesia and can be used to assist the dentist in treating apprehensive patients effectively.