Comparative study between the digital anesthesia technique vs the conventional local anesthesia technique

The aim of this study was to compare the conventional local anesthesia technique with digital local anesthesia in adults. A prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 30 adult patients scheduled for extraction of upper molars or premolars. Participants had no medical conditions that could influence the results. A 2% lidocaine solution with 1:100,000 epinephrine was administered on one side using two digital anesthesia devices (Soga Smart III, Denops, and Geni Dental) and on the contralateral side using a conventional syringe. Pain was assessed immediately after anesthesia using a visual analog scale (0–10). All data were tabulated for statistical analysis, and all patients provided informed consent. The study included 30 patients (14 men and 16 women) with a mean age of 34.9 years. On the experi- mental side, the mean pain score was 2.67, higher in men (3.86) than in women (2.69). Results by device were: Coxo (3.0), Soga (3.2), and Denops (2.8). On the control side, the mean pain score was 6.07, with men reporting 7.14 and women 6.31. No complications were observed during the procedures. Regarding professional satisfaction, 40% of practitioners considered the digital anesthesia technique easier, while 60% preferred the conventional technique. The comparison between conventional and digital anesthesia in dentistry reveals significant differences in efficacy, comfort, and patient experience. Digital anesthesia is perceived as less invasive, increasing patient confidence and comfort, allowing for more precise administration of anesthetic, and reducing anxiety and pain. However, its application and onset time are longer, which may limit its effectiveness in complex procedures where conventional anesthesia is preferred. Digital anesthesia is recommended for simple procedures, particularly for patients with low pain thresholds or previous negative experiences. Overall, combining both techniques may optimize outcomes in dental treatments.