Digital intraosseous versus manual intraligamentary anesthesia for filling lower permanent molars in children

Comparison of Digital Intraosseous and Manual Intraligamentary Anesthesia in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Izmir Katip Celebi University · NCT07524569

This study tests whether digital intraosseous or manual intraligamentary injections cause less pain for children aged 6–12 who need fillings in lower permanent molars.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorIzmir Katip Celebi University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Izmir, Cigli)
Trial IDNCT07524569 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, controlled, crossover, single-blind split-mouth study will enroll 78 children with similar bilateral enamel-dentin caries on the first permanent mandibular molars. Each child will receive both techniques—one on each side—with a one-week washout and randomized sequence assignment into two equal groups. Pain during injection and during the restorative procedure will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale and Wong-Baker FACES, while heart rate and oxygen saturation will be recorded. Anesthetic success, postoperative complications, and patient preference will be compared between the two techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 6–12 years with ASA I, positive behavior (Frankl III–IV), good oral hygiene, and similar restorative needs on both first permanent mandibular molars are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with allergies to local anesthetics or sulfites, cholinesterase deficiency, current use of pain-affecting drugs, need for sedatives during procedures, or without bilateral comparable lesions are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred technique could reduce injection and procedure pain and improve comfort and cooperation during pediatric dental restorations.

How similar studies have performed: Related studies of intraosseous and intraligamentary techniques in adults and children have reported mixed results, with some intraosseous devices showing reduced injection pain, but direct pediatric split-mouth comparisons remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with American Society of Anesthesiologists score I (ASA I)
* Subjects with Frankl's behavior rate III (positive) and IV (definitely positive),
* Subjects with indication of similar restoration treatment on bilateral first -permanent mandibular molars
* Subjects whose plaque index score of 0 (no plaque) and 1
* Subjects whose gingival index score of 0

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergic to the local anesthetics or sulfites
* Subjects with cholinesterase deficiency
* Subjects who use drugs that may affect the assessment of pain, such as narcotic or non-narcotic analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and antihistamine agents
* Subjects who need to use sedatives or other medications during dental procedures

Where this trial is running

Izmir, Cigli

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnesthesiaLocalintraligamentary anesthesiapaediatric dentistryDigital Intraosseous Anesthesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.