Effectiveness of INJEX Versus Traditional Syringe During Restoration of Primary Teeth

Before the start of the study a written informed consent and ascent was obtained from each parent of the children included in the study stating they accepted the treatment. Ethical clearance will be obtained before the start of the study. Patients reporting to the dental clinics, college of dentistry will be included in the study.

Sample size estimation:

The sample size was determined using the following formula, based on a difference in mean Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scores of 1.2 and a pooled standard deviation of 1.89. Sample Size (n) = 2Sp2 (Z 1-α/2+Z1-β) 2 µd2 where, Z (1-α/2) = 1.96 for a 95% confidence interval Z1-β = 0.84 for 80% power Sp2 = pooled standard deviation µd = 1.2 (difference in mean between groups) Substituting these values, the sample size was estimated to be 21. An additional 20% of the estimated sample size was added to account for any potential sampling loss, bringing the final sample size to a total of 25 teeth in each group.

study design: It was a split mouth randomized controlled trial

Randomization:

Teeth designated for restoration were assigned to one of two groups using a simple randomization method with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The allocation was performed using a predetermined list, with the first list for the right side, and the second for the left side. Allocation concealment was maintained through sealed envelopes until the time of intervention to prevent selection bias. On the intervention day, patients identified their number on either the right or left side lists.

Group I: All teeth in this group underwent restoration using the traditional syringe system. Making use of a conventional syringe fitted with a 27-gauge needle (Hogen Spitze, C-K Dental IND.CO., LTD.) local infiltration of Scandicaine 2% Special (mepivacaine hydrochloride and adrenaline) was given.

Group II: Teeth in this group received treatment with the needle-free injection system, INJEX (INJEX Pharma AG, Germany).

Intervention procedure To mitigate any operator-related bias, a single operator conducted the entire anesthesia protocol for all participants in the trial. Utilizing the "Tell-Show-Do" technique, all relevant treatment equipment and protocols were introduced and explained. The injection was thoroughly described using appropriate euphemisms or age-appropriate language.

A sterile dry gauze was used to cleanse the treatment area at the injection site before administering LA. Following this, a very small quantity of topical anesthetic (Benzocaine 20%, NJ, USA) was given and left to remain for a minimum time of 1 minute. Following the application of topical anesthesia, LA was administered based on the participant's assigned group.

After a standard waiting time of 3 minutes for the anesthesia to take effect, dental caries were removed , The pulp capping material, Dycal (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA), was placed, and a type IX glass ionomer cement (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) liner was applied before the final restoration with composite material.