Low-level Laser Therapy to Alleviate Pain of Local Anesthesia Injection in Children: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare pain perception following photobiomodulation (PBM), topical anesthesia, precooling of the injection site, and vibration during administration of local anesthesia injection in pediatric patients aged 6–13 years. Materials and methods: In this split-mouth study, a total of 120 patients between the age group of 6 and 13 years were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups with 40 subjects in each. Pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) and the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale after the administration of local anesthesia. Behavior during the procedure was assessed using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale filled by the operator. Pulse rate was recorded before and during the administration of local anesthesia using pulse oximeter. After the procedure, patient compliance was also recorded using validated questionnaire. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study showed PBM exhibited the lowest mean scores of anxiety/pain using VAS, Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, FLACC scale and pulse rate as compared to precooling, vibration, and topical anesthesia. The differences in pain scores recorded were found to be statistically significant. Children were not anxious about the PBM method and exhibited good compliance (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Photobiomodulation (PBM) was found to be effective means of reducing injection pain, demonstrating much better efficacy than other tested methods. Clinical significance: Photobiomodulation (PBM) can be used effectively to better manage procedures that patients frequently find painful without the need for prescription drugs, which frequently have several side effects.