Evaluation of a Novel Distraction Method in Paediatric Dental Patients: An Observer-Blinded, Randomised, Parallel-Group, Superiority Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Background: The study introduces novel camouflage sleeves for the 'Dental Syringe Camouflage Technique' (DSCT) as a distraction tool to reduce dental anxiety and pain in paediatric patients while evaluating its efficacy.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of DSCT using light-/dark-coloured sleeves to reduce needle-associated anxiety and pain in paediatric dental patients.

Design: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial with 76 children aged 6-9 years, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group was further divided based on sleeve colour. Anxiety was assessed using a self-reported scale, and vital signs were monitored. Local anaesthesia (LA) was administered using conventional dental syringes (CoDSs) or camouflaged dental syringes (CaDSs). Postintervention, self-reported pain was also recorded. Data analysis compared groups and pre- and postintervention observations.

Results: A significant reduction in children's self-reported anxiety was observed in the experimental group compared to the control, with no significant differences in perceived pain. Children with lighter sleeves showed a greater decrease in anxiety scores than those with darker ones.

Conclusions: Camouflage sleeves for LA syringes reduced anxiety during administration but did not significantly impact reported pain. Lighter sleeves were more effective. No significant changes were observed in pulse rate (PR) or blood pressure (BP) with the use of CaDSs.