Comparison of Physical Versus Visual Distraction in the Reduction of Pain During Local Anesthesia

Comparison of Physical Versus Visual Distraction in the Reduction of Pain During Local Anesthesia

The purpose of this study is to compare physical versus visual distractions to determine which technique reduces perceived pain better during local anesthesia injections.

Before the local anesthesia injection, patients will be asked to give a preliminary VAS score based on what level of pain 0-10 they anticipate they will feel during the local anesthesia injection. Following the injection the participant will be asked to quantify the pain felt during the injection on a 0-10 Visual analog scale (VAS). The VAS scores will only be taken from the first injection of the appointment. Participants will be asked their gender, race, age, geographic location they spent most of their lives as well. Participants will be de-identified and randomly assigned a number that will be recorded along with their collected data on a two-factor, password protected web server. Information collected during this study may be used for further analysis and publication.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients needing a dental procedure that requires a buccal infiltration with Septocaine 1:100,000 epinephrine (EPI) (Articaine hydrochloride 4% and EPI 1:100,000) or an inferior alveolar nerve block injection with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine.
• Adults greater than 18 years old.
• Patients with limited English proficiency will be included only if their primary language is Spanish.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a known or suspected allergy to anesthetic agent, sulfites, amide-type local anesthetic, or to any ingredient in anesthetic solutions will not be included.
• Any patients taking medications affecting pain response on the day of the dental appointment.
• Children younger than 18 years old.
• Patients with limited English proficiency with a primary language other than Spanish