Efficacy of Facial Massager in Reducing Intra Oral Injection Pain in Pediatric Patients

Efficacy of a Vibrating Facial-T- Massager as an Adjunct to Topical Anesthesia in Reducing Intraoral Injection Pain in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

• Background: Local anesthesia is a primary source of anxiety in pediatric dentistry.
• Objective: To evaluate if mechanical vibration from a low-cost facial massager reduces pain and anxiety during injections using the Gate Control Theory.
• Design: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial .

Methodology & Study Design

• Setting: Pediatric Dental Department, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.
• Inclusion Criteria: Children aged 4-12 years requiring local anesthesia, cooperative (frankl 3,4)
• Exclusion Criteria: History of allergy to benzocaine, acute infection at the site, or special healthcare needs affecting sensory perception, Medically compromised, unco-operative children, those who do not consent.

Intervention Protocol

1. Group 1: Application of 20% Benzocaine gel for 2 minutes followed by a standard local anesthetic injection.
2. Group 2: Application of Facial Massager on the buccal mucosa 30 seconds prior to and during the injection.
3. Group 3: Application of 20% Benzocaine gel for 2 minutes + Facial Massager applied to the buccal mucosa 30 seconds prior to and during the injection.
4. Infection Control & Sterilization

To ensure patient safety, the following protocol for the non-medical T-massager will be implemented:

• Barrier Protection: The device will be encased in a single-use, disposable polyethylene sleeve (Digital Sensor Sleeve) and secured with tape.
• Disinfection: After barrier removal, a "Double-Wipe" method using 70% Isopropyl Alcohol wipe will be used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 4-12 years requiring local anesthesia
• Cooperative behaviour (frankl rating 3,4)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of allergy to benzocaine
• acute infection at the site
• special healthcare needs affecting sensory perception
• Medically compromised children
• unco-operative children
• those who do not consent.