Minimally‐invasive dental anesthesia: Patients' preferences and analysis of the willingness‐to‐pay index. Issue 1 (23rd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Re, Dino; Del Fabbro, Massimo; Karanxha, Lorena; Augusti, Gabriele; Augusti, Davide; Fessi, Sabrine; Taschieri, Silvio
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative and clinical dentistry. Volume 9:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-05-23
• Subjects: anesthesia -- patients' preferences -- restorative procedure -- willingness to pay; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Mouth -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Mouth Diseases -- Periodicals; Tooth Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/jicd.12275
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-1618

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the impact of a computer‐controlled anesthesia on patients' comfort and to investigate, through the willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) index, and patients' acceptance of this new technology. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing a class I or II restorative procedure were enrolled. A computer‐controlled device for anesthetic delivery was utilized, and a questionnaire on the level of discomfort and WTP was given to all patients. Results: A total of 86% of participants declared less discomfort than that perceived during their last traditional procedure for pain control; 58% of patients were willing to pay an additional fee for a modern anesthesia technique, with a median WTP value of 20$. Conclusions: Computer‐controlled systems for local anesthesia represent a relevant tool for reducing patients' discomfort during dental treatment. The WTP index helps to quantify its relevance.