Comparative Assessment of Perceived Pain in Children During Palatal Anesthesia Using Two Injection Techniques: An In Vivo Study

Background: Computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) is an approach that uses a constant and slow flow of delivering the anesthetic solution into the tissues, which is capable of alleviating pain and discomfort in children. Aim: Assessment of perceived pain in children during palatal anesthesia using Wand technique and conventional technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 children requiring bilateral palatal anesthesia were included in the study in a split-half design. The children were asked to indicate their intensity of pain response on a visual analog scale (VAS) after administration of anesthesia by the Wand technique and the conventional technique. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Mann-Whitney U test compared the mean VAS scores between the two groups. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of less than 0.05. Results: The mean VAS scores using the Wand technique and the conventional technique were 3.87 +/- 1.99 and 4.20 +/- 1.44, respectively (P = 0.332). Females had lesser VAS scores compared to males (P = 0.008). Conclusion: Females readily accepted the Wand technique compared to males, although there was no substantial difference between the two injection procedures.