A Randomised Split-Mouth Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Oroquiver: An Affordable Vibrotactile Device for Dental Injections

Abstract

Introduction: Injection pain is a common concern among patients, including those receiving dental injections. Local Anaesthesia (LA) is a crucial procedure in dentistry to ensure painless treatment. Vibration stimuli have shown promise in raising the pain threshold, managing orofacial pain, musculoskeletal pain, and relieving dental pain. However, many vibrotactile devices available in the market are not affordable for common dentists. Aim: To compare pain perception in patients undergoing bilateral extractions using OroQuiver-assisted LA administration versus conventional LA administration. Materials and Methods: A randomised split-mouth clinical trial was conducted with 17 patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral extractions. LA was administered with and without OroQuiver on the right and left-sides, respectively. Pain assessment was performed using Wong Baker’s Facial Rating Scale and a questionnaire sheet comparing patient comfort following LA administration on both sides. Results: There was a significant difference in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain experienced during LA injections using the vibrotactile device (4.29±1.1) compared to the conventional method (7.2±1.5). None of the patients reported discomfort with the device. The device reduced anxiety towards dental injections in 14 patients, and 16 patients indicated they would recommend the device to others. Conclusion: OroQuiver effectively reduced injection-related pain regardless of the type of nerve block administered. It is a costeffective, easily maneuverable, feasible, sterilizable, and reusable device that effectively reduces LA injection-related pain.

Keywords

• injection pain
• local anaesthesia
• nerve block
• vibration analgesia