Evaluation of the Effects of Computer‐Controlled and Conventional Local Anesthesia on Pain and Anxiety in Children With Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Split‐Mouth Study

Background Computer‐controlled anesthesia delivery systems (CCLADs), such as SleeperOne, are available as an alternative to traditional anesthesia for the treatment of teeth with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the SleeperOne and the conventional local anesthesia technique on pain and anxiety in children with MIH. Design Twenty‐eight children aged 6–12 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups ( n = 28): Conventional anesthesia group and SleeperOne group. The Children's Fear Survey Schedule–Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS) was administered to all participants prior to treatment. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed using both objective measures (pulse rate, oxygen saturation [SpO 2 ], and salivary cortisol levels) and subjective scales (Wong‐Baker Pain Rating Scale [WBS], Visual Analog Scale [VAS], and Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, Consolability Scale [FLACC]). Results Cortisol levels were significantly higher in the conventional anesthesia group ( p < 0.001). In the after treatment values, mandibular cortisol levels in participants without hypersensitivity and total cortisol levels in participants with hypersensitivity were significantly lower in the SleeperOne anesthesia group ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.017). Conclusions Lower salivary cortisol levels, a physiological marker of stress, were observed in the SleeperOne group during the treatment of MIH‐affected teeth. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT07268157