The Clinical Effect with the Use of Gel Anesthesia within Gingival Sulcus during Scaling

Abstract

Although scaling is the primary method for improving oral health, it is also associated with dental fear. The objective of this study was to empirically verify whether the use of gel anesthetic within the gingival sulcus during scaling relieves pain and improves other factors. A total of 128 patients scheduled to undergo scaling at a dental clinic of a general hospital located in the Gyeonggi Province, between July 2014 and July 2015, were enrolled in the study. The participants underwent scaling following the application of 20% benzocaine gel or placebo gel anesthetic within the gingival sulcus, and the data was collected using a questionnaire. There was a significant difference in the severity of pain, participant satisfaction, perceived sensitivity, overall discomfort, and fear of scaling between the two groups. The two groups were compared in terms of perceived need for gel anesthesia, willingness to pay for anesthesia costs, and willingness to receive scaling in the future. There were significant differences in all the three parameters depending on whether gel anesthesia was used or not. There were significant differences between the two groups in perceived sensitivity immediately after scaling and one day after scaling, with no difference seen one week after scaling. With regards to overall discomfort over time, there were significant differences between the two groups immediately after scaling. Based on these findings, we expect that application of gel anesthetic within the gingival sulcus during scaling will reduce pain, perceived sensitivity, overall discomfort, and fear of scaling with increased satisfaction.

Evaluation of Pain Reduction and Clinical Efficacy of Feedback-Controlled Ultrasonic Scaler

“…Dental scaling is important for improving periodontal health. However, it can cause physical and psychological pain in some patients 18) . Ju and Park 19) stated that the main cause of patients' avoidance of dental treatment was pain experienced during past treatment, and Park et al 18) stated that a method is needed to reduce patients' pain during dental scaling.…”

“…However, it can cause physical and psychological pain in some patients 18) . Ju and Park 19) stated that the main cause of patients' avoidance of dental treatment was pain experienced during past treatment, and Park et al 18) stated that a method is needed to reduce patients' pain during dental scaling. de Jongh and Stouthard 20) reported that patients experience a great deal of anxiety due to the noise and vibrations generated during dental scaling, and the anxiety can lead to pain during treatment 21) .…”