From Alginate to Pixel: Comparing the Effect of Two Dental Impression Methods on Children’s Anxiety
Isabel Cristina Miranda Ataíde, Clara Serna-Muñoz, Cristina Maria Ferreira Guimaraes Pereira Areias, Álvaro Amadeu Ferreira de Azevedo, Romeu Eduardo Pereirinha Henriques Ferreira de Andrade, Antonio José Ortiz-Ruiz

TL;DR
This study compares alginate impressions and intraoral scanners in children and finds that digital scanning causes less anxiety than traditional methods.
Contribution
The study provides empirical evidence on the anxiety levels of children during two dental impression techniques using physiological indicators.
Findings
Alginate impressions significantly increased heart rate compared to intraoral scanners in both upper and lower arches.
SpO2 levels dropped more with alginate impressions than with intraoral scanners in both arches.
Intraoral scanners showed less physiological disruption, suggesting they are less anxiety-inducing for children.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Alginate dental impressions are often among the most anxiety-inducing procedures for pediatric patients due to discomfort caused by nausea, gagging, and the vomiting reflex. This technique frequently raises anxiety levels in children. In contrast, intraoral scanners are increasingly used in clinical practice and offer a more comfortable alternative. Physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) are useful, objective indicators of anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate significant changes in HR and SpO2 during dental impression procedures using two techniques—an analog (alginate) and a digital (intraoral scanner) one—in both dental arches, to determine the method inducing the least anxiety. Methods: A non-interventional clinical study was conducted on a sample of 30 children. A fingertip pulse oximeter was used to measure HR and SpO2…
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Taxonomy
TopicsDental Anxiety and Anesthesia Techniques · Anesthesia and Sedative Agents · Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
