Evaluation of the Effects of Computer-Controlled and Conventional Local Anesthesia on Pain and Anxiety in Children With Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Split-Mouth Study

Int J Paediatr Dent. 2026 Jul 19. doi: 10.1111/ipd.70129. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Computer-controlled anesthesia delivery systems (CCLADs), such as SleeperOne, are available as an alternative to traditional anesthesia for the treatment of teeth with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the SleeperOne and the conventional local anesthesia technique on pain and anxiety in children with MIH.

DESIGN: Twenty-eight children aged 6-12 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups (n = 28): Conventional anesthesia group and SleeperOne group. The Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) was administered to all participants prior to treatment. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed using both objective measures (pulse rate, oxygen saturation [SpO₂], and salivary cortisol levels) and subjective scales (Wong-Baker Pain Rating Scale [WBS], Visual Analog Scale [VAS], and Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, Consolability Scale [FLACC]).

RESULTS: Cortisol levels were significantly higher in the conventional anesthesia group (p < 0.001). In the after treatment values, mandibular cortisol levels in participants without hypersensitivity and total cortisol levels in participants with hypersensitivity were significantly lower in the SleeperOne anesthesia group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS: Lower salivary cortisol levels, a physiological marker of stress, were observed in the SleeperOne group during the treatment of MIH-affected teeth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07268157.

PMID:42473055 | DOI:10.1111/ipd.70129