Comparison of the pain levels of computer controlled and conventional anesthesia techniques in supraperiosteal injections: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Aim. To compare the pain perception using a traditional Syringe vs Computer controlled ‘Anaeject' device in supra periosteal injections. Methodology. One hundred volunteers were selected on a random basis for the study and were explained about the goals of study and signed the consent form. They served as their own controls, i.e. in the same subject both the computer controlled ‘Anaeject' device and traditional syringe were used on the contralateral sides for obtaining anesthesia. Pain levels were recorded during needle prick and anesthetic delivery. Post-operative pain at the site of injection 5 h after the anesthesia was also recorded. Heft Parker visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain levels. Results. Final analysis was done on 90 subjects. Subjects reported significantly lower pain ratings at the time of needle prick and the delivery of local anesthetic using a computer-controlled ‘Anaeject' device as compared to traditional syringes. Pain at the site of injection 5 h post-operative was also low in the computerized anesthesia group but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion. In this in vivo study it was found that subjects perception of pain was significantly low for supraperiosteal injections while using computerized anesthesia as compared to that of conventional disposable syringes.

Key Words::

• computerized anesthesia
• conventional syringes
• pain
• visual analog scale

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.