Computerized anesthesia delivery system vs. traditional syringe: comparing pain and pain-related behavior in children.
The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a traditional syringe with the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a computerized device (Wand) and to differentiate between the reactions of highly anxious children with those displaying low anxiety. One hundred and twenty-five children aged 4-11 yr were randomly allocated to receive local anesthesia with the Wand or a traditional injection. Parents completed the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS). Two independent observers scored videotapes of the anesthesia in 15-s intervals. The occurrence of muscle tension, crying, verbal protest, movement, and resistance was registered and a score was given on the Venham distress scale. The mean injection time with the Wand was four times as long as with the traditional syringe. During the first 15 s of the injection, low-anxious children receiving local anesthesia with the Wand displayed less muscle tension, less verbal protest and less movement than children receiving local anesthesia with the traditional syringe. Within the high-anxious group no differences were found. It was concluded that low-anxious children seem to benefit from the use of the Wand instead of the traditional syringe in receiving local anesthesia.
Versloot
Judith
J
Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Universiteit van Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands. j.versloot@acta.nl
Veerkamp
Jaap S J
JS
Hoogstraten
Johan
J
D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012737:Sex Factors; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors
D000779:Anesthetics, Local