Comparative Study Between SmartBurs II and Conventional Carbide Burs in the Evaluation of Pain and Anxiety in Children

Abstract

Introduction: The anticipation of pain experienced through dental treatment isusually because of local anesthetic injections and a high-speed handpiece, especiallyin children. Smart Burs II does not require local anesthesia; therefore, it can mitigatethe discomfort encountered during dental interventions and circumvent dental anxiety.Aim: We aimed to evaluate the duration required for caries removal by Smart Burs II incontrast to carbide burs, as well as the level of pain reported by pediatric patients duringthe application of each method. Methods: Thirty permanent first molars that met ourcriteria were included in the study. These molars were present in children aged between8 and 11 years and exhibited class I occlusal caries. Participants were categorizedinto two groups on the basis of random allocation. In Group I, which consisted of 15participants, caries removal was performed using SmartBurs II. In Group II, whichcomprised 15 participants, a conventional carbide bur was used for caries removal.The duration of the caries removal procedure was recorded in seconds for both groups.Patient perceptions of treatment were determined using the facial image scale (FIS).Results: According to the statistical analysis, SmartBurs II resulted in a longer durationand lower recorded pain scores than carbide bur. Conclusions: The employment ofSmartBurs ΙΙ necessitated an extended duration for caries removal and resulted in asignificant reduction in pain sensation during the extraction of infected dentin comparedto using traditional carbide burs.