Effect of a needle‐free system versus traditional anesthesia on pain perception during palatal injections in children

Background Needle‐free injection systems can contribute to the prevention of needle‐related pain during palatal infiltration anesthesia (PIA) in children. Research on this topic in children is required. Aim The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness and patient preference of a needle‐free system versus traditional anesthesia (TA) on pain perception during PIA in children. Design The study was designed as a randomized, controlled crossover clinical study with 48 children aged 6–12 years requiring dental treatment with PIA in bilateral maxillary primary molars. TA was applied on one side and the Comfort‐in™ injection system (CIS) on the other side in two separate sessions. Then, patient preference was recorded. The pain perception during PIA was evaluated using the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (PRS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Scale. The data were analyzed for statistical significance (p