Effectiveness of an External Cooling and Vibrating Device vs Counterstimulation in Reducing Discomfort of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Pediatric Dental Patients: A Single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Pain management in pediatric patients during dental procedures is very important. Here, the traditional method of behavior management is compared with novel methods.

Aim: To compare and determine the effectiveness of an external cooling and vibrating device vs counterstimulation with the conventional technique in reducing the fear and discomfort of pediatric dental patients aged 5-7 years during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB).

Materials and methods: The study population consisted of children aged 5-7 years, rated as positive (+) or negative (-) on the Frankl behavior rating scale, who reported to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry and required dental procedures in posterior teeth that warranted the use of IANB.Anxiety measurement was conducted by both objective and subjective means. The subjective measures included Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS), as chosen by the patient, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC), as recorded by the observer, while the objective measure was pulse rate, recorded by a pulse oximeter.Group A: External cooling and vibrating device (Buzzy).Group B: Counterstimulation group.Group C: Control group.

Results: The WBFPRS score and FLACC score reduced following the intervention in the counterstimulation group, indicating a reduction in pain perception and anxiety compared to the application of Buzzy and the conventional technique.

Conclusion: Counterstimulation was the most effective in reducing pain perception and anxiety during the administration of IANB.

Clinical significance: The injection of local anesthetic remains one of the painful and fear-inducing procedures in pediatric dentistry. This study provides evidence that counterstimulation is effective in reducing pain perception and anxiety during the administration of IANB.

How to cite this article: Ponnan V, Santhakumar M, Thekke Veetil AK. Effectiveness of an External Cooling and Vibrating Device vs Counterstimulation in Reducing Discomfort of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Pediatric Dental Patients: A Single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(12):1335-1339.