Impact of a Dental Vibratory Device on Self-Perceived Pain With a Dental Anesthetic Injection: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Studies.

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the potential of dental vibratory devices (DVD) in dental anesthetic injections to improve patient comfort.

Methods: A systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024552433). A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed up to August 2024 using keywords related to dental vibratory devices, local anesthesia, and pain, and 1,081,360 manuscripts were revealed. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included comparing dental vibratory devices to other interventions or no intervention in patients receiving dental anesthetic injections. Two independent reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results: A total of 12 RCTs were included, following the eligibility requirements. Various self-assessed pain tools, like the Visual Analog Scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale, were used. Across 8 RCTs evaluating methods to reduce pain during dental needle injections, most reported a positive impact of distraction (eg, DVD) or vibration techniques on pain reduction, with significant improvements in patient comfort. Although some variability existed, most studies demonstrated reduced pain scores compared to controls, particularly when vibration was used. Only 2 studies showed less consistent or neutral outcomes. No significant adverse effects were reported across the interventions.

Conclusion: Based on the current evidence, a DVD may reduce pain related to dental anesthetic injections. Although effective, such devices may cause mild discomfort or tingling in sensitive patients and may be ineffective for those with high anxiety. Future standardized studies are needed to conclude the significance of dental vibratory devices for reducing pain in patients who receive dental anesthetic injections.