Intraosseous vs. conventional anesthesia in children: Clinical outcomes and patient preference

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Created On: 14/11/2025

This scoping review aimed to explore the effectiveness of computer-controlled intraosseous anesthesia (CCIA) compared with conventional local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry.

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Key take away

Computer-controlled intraosseous anesthesia provides effective anesthesia in children, with patients showing greater acceptance and preference when compared to conventional methods.

Background

This scoping review aimed to explore the effectiveness of computer-controlled intraosseous anesthesia (CCIA) compared with conventional local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry. A secondary objective was to assess children’s acceptance and preference for CCIA over traditional techniques. Given the limited and heterogeneous evidence available, the review also sought to highlight research gaps and outline the extent of current knowledge, providing a basis for future investigations.

Method

In total, 19 electronic databases were searched following PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Eligible studies were split-mouth randomized controlled trials that assessed CCIA in pediatric dentistry. Notably, 2 reviewers independently carried out study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment via the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Because this was an exploratory review, the emphasis was on mapping study characteristics, reported outcomes, and research trends rather than on quantitative synthesis.

Result

Out of 841 records, only two randomized clinical trials were found suitable. Both reported that CCIA reliably produced adequate anesthesia. Secondary outcomes, such as patient acceptance and preference, also leaned in favor of CCIA compared with conventional techniques. Still, the evidence base is extremely thin and marked by methodological weaknesses, limiting the strength of any conclusions.

Conclusion

Preliminary findings suggest CCIA could be an appealing option in pediatric dentistry, offering both effective anesthesia and a more positive patient experience. Yet, with only a handful of studies—each with notable bias—current knowledge remains fragmentary. More robust and focused trials are essential to clarify whether CCIA truly surpasses conventional approaches.