Comparison of Dental Anxiety Between Aerosol and Non-Aerosol Dental Procedures in Children Aged Between 5-13 Years

Background Fear is an unpleasant emotional state consisting of psychological and physiological changes in response to real external threats or dangers. In contrast anxiety is an emotion similar to fear but arising without any objective source of danger. Dental treatments are well known to trigger anxiety and fear in children as most commonly used instruments such as airotor and suction create a sense of fear and anxiety in them. This impacts not only the quality of outcome of treatment but also the attitude of a child towards dentists and dental care.Objective The aim of the study was to compare the levels of anxiety during various aerosol and non-aerosol dental treatments in children.Method One hundred and twenty children aged 5 to 13 years were evaluated for anxiety levels by undergoing various dental treatments aerosol and non-aerosol techniques. The level of dental fear was measured before during and after the treatment with a pulse oximeter Animated Emoji Scale AES and Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability FLACC scale.Results Subjects belonging to the non-aerosol technique group showed least anxiety levels. Maximum relaxation was seen in children undergoing atraumatic restorative treatment ART followed by the HALL technique group and then the conventional restorative procedures. Least comfort was seen in the conventional stainless steel crown group. Conclusion Non-aerosol techniques generate least anxiety in children and should be considered for treatment procedures involving children with higher anxiety levels.