Clinical study to evaluate the use of electronic anesthesia during dental hygiene procedures.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if the 3M Dental Electronic Anesthesia System 8670 would decrease patients' pain/discomfort levels during scaling and root planing procedures.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients possessing hypersensitive teeth and/or 4-6 mm periodontal pockets requiring scaling and root planing were selected as subjects. Patients received treatment using an inactive and then an active stimulator in paired quadrants. The patients scored their pain/discomfort levels after each procedure. They were contacted by telephone 1-2 days following treatment to determine if they experienced any symptoms or discomfort following electronic dental anesthesia.

RESULTS

The overall results for the assessment of pain/discomfort indicated that treatment using the active stimulator resulted in significantly lower pain scores for the total patient population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found the 3M Dental Electronic Anesthesia System 8670 to be effective for controlling pain during the dental hygiene procedures specified.