Using a kaleidoscope or cartoons to reduce pain and anxiety during dental injections for children
The Effect of a Kaleidoscope and Cartoons on Pain and Anxiety Associated With Local Anesthetic Injection for Dental Treatment in Children
This test will see if using a kaleidoscope or watching cartoons reduces pain, fear, and anxiety during local anesthesia injections in children aged 7–12.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dicle University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır) |
| Trial ID | NCT07462364 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 126 children aged 7–12 who need local infiltration anesthesia and who show positive or definitely positive behavior on the Frankl scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: kaleidoscope distraction, cartoon distraction, or routine care without distraction. Pain, fear, and state anxiety will be measured using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, the Children's Fear Scale, and the Children's Anxiety Scale-State, and behavior will be recorded with the Frankl Behavior Rating. The trial is conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Dicle University in Diyarbakır, Turkey.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 7–12 who require local infiltration anesthesia, attend the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Dicle University, have positive or definitely positive Frankl behavior ratings, and whose parents provide consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with chronic illnesses, prior hospitalization/surgery, neurological or behavioral disorders (for example autism or ADHD), learning disabilities, significant sensory impairments, or active dental abscesses are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from these distraction techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost, nonpharmacological distractions could reduce injection pain and anxiety and make dental visits easier for children and clinicians.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pediatric dentistry work has shown that distraction methods such as watching cartoons or using visual devices often reduce pain and anxiety, though results vary by technique and patient age.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged between 7 and 12 years * Children requiring local infiltration anesthesia for dental treatment * Children who apply to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry * Children and their parents who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent * Children with positive or definitely positive behavior according to the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale Exclusion Criteria: * Children with chronic diseases * Children with a history of hospitalization or surgery * Children with neurological or behavioral disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning disabilities * Children with mental retardation, hearing impairment, or speech problems * Children with dental abscesses or fistulas
Where this trial is running
Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Dicle University — Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elif Bilsin Kocamaz, PhD
- Email: elifbilsin-86@hotmail.com
- Phone: +904122411000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.