Pain perception in children during caries removal with the Vector® system: a pilot study

Aim: A pilot study to compare pain perception during caries treatment in children by means of: the Vector (R) system versus a mechanical method. Study Design and Methods: A population of 31 children, aged 7-11 years, with a positive attitude towards dental treatment was recruited. Every child had two permanent molar teeth treated, one using the Vector (R) system (piezo-driven ultrasonic device) and the other using conventional method (dental bur). Corah, Hochman and the visual scale (Facial Expression Scale) were applied to evaluate anxiety and pain perception. Results: Treatment with the Vector (R) system required significantly longer time 31.1 versus 4.7 mins for the conventional method. With the Vector (R) system 54.8% of children and with conventional method 29.0% felt no pain. Girls admitted to feeling more pain than boys (verbal scale p <0.018, visual scale p <0.072). A high statistical correlation between verbal and visual scales was confirmed (r = 0.821; p <0.001) and a greater level of pain was found using conventional method. Conclusions: The Vector r system is useful in treating caries in children, because it minimizes the negative attitudes to pain but takes significantly longer to use.