Vibra-Dent : A Simple Vibration Device to Make Dental Visits Less Painful and Help Mix Dental Fillings

Vibra-Dent : A Simple Vibration Device to Make Dental Visits Less Painful and Help Mix Dental Fillings

Virendra Yadav, Almita Gupta, Garima Pandey, Shrawani Kolhe, Tanushree Khadatkar, Avanti Thakur

Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur

Abstract – Dental pain and anxiety continue to be common concerns in clinical practice, especially when local anesthesia is included. Techniques based on vibration-induced sensory distraction, supported by the Gate Control Theory of Pain, have gained attention as effective, non-pharmacological methods for reducing discomfort. This review examines the development of vibration-based pain control devices, outlines the limitations of earlier systems, and highlights the improvements introduced in the Dental Vibe device. The device include multiple embedded control algorithms such as Debounce, Mapping, Pulse Generation, PWM, Mode Switching, and OLED Display Update to deliver stable, adjustable vibration signals that enhance patient comfort. Comparative findings indicate that Dental Vibe improves patient experience, reduces anxiety during procedures, and supports greater clinical efficiency. These outcomes suggest that Dental Vibe is a practical and adaptable tool in contemporary dental practice.

1. INTRODUCTION

   Dental treatments, especially those that require administering local anesthesia, often cause patients to experience fear and discomfort. This anticipation of pain can make patients uneasy, reduce cooperation during procedures, and sometimes even discourage them from seeking necessary dental care. Conventional methods such as topical anesthetic gels, injections, or simple distraction techniques are commonly used to manage pain. However, these approaches do not directly influence how the nervous system interprets pain signals.

   Vibration-based pain reduction offers a practical and non- drug alternative. When vibration is applied near the injection site, it activates specific nerve fibers that help interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Over the years, several vibration-based tools have been introduced, ranging from simple mechanical devices to more advanced systems with adjustable settings.

   The Dental Vibe device represents a more refined version of this concept. It incorporates embedded control algorithms to

   deliver consistent, smooth, and customizable vibration patterns, helping dentists adjust the device according to the patients comfort level and the type of procedure being performed.

   The purpose of this review is to explore the scientific foundation of vibration-induced pain reduction, compare existing devices and clinical research outcomes, and analyze how the Dental Vibe system improves patient comfort and clinical effectiveness in modern dental practice.

2. BACKGROUND

Pain during dental procedures mainly occurs when sensory nerve fibers in the oral tissues are activated by needle entry, pressure, or irritation. For many patients especially children and individuals who are anxious about medical procedures the anticipation of pain increases sensitivity and makes the experience more stressful. Although local anesthetic solutions are effective in numbing the targeted area, the injection itself often remains the most uncomfortable part of the procedure. This moment of discomfort is what commonly triggers dental fear and leads some patients to avoid treatment altogether.

To address this issue, vibration-assisted pain reduction has gained attention as a simple and non-invasive technique. This method is based on the Gate Control Theory of Pain, which explains how different sensory signals compete in the nervous system. When vibration is applied near the injection site, it activates A-beta mechanoreceptor fibers, which transmit signals faster than the pain-carrying A-delta and C fibers. Because the brain processes the vibration sensation first, the perception of pain is reduced. In this way, the discomfort from the injection becomes less noticeable.

Unlike medications or sedation, vibration does not alter consciousness, does not require dosage adjustments, and has no side effects. It works by influencing how the nervous system interprets sensory input rather than by chemically blocking pain alone. This makes vibration-based pain

modulation suitable for different age groups and clinical situations.

Overall, the use of controlled vibration offers a practical approach to improving comfort during dental procedures. It supports patient cooperation, reduces anxiety, and can make the treatment process smoother for both the patient and the dentist. This background forms the foundation for the

development and evaluation of vibration-assisted devices, such as VibraDent, which incorporates this concept into a more controlled, adaptable, and user-friendly system.

1. Clinical Evidence and Research Comparison

   Dental pain and anxiety are common concerns among patients undergoing clinical procedures, especially when local anesthesia injections are involved. The anticipation of pain can heighten stress, reduce cooperation, and cause some individuals to postpone or avoid treatment entirely. For this reason, dentists have explored non-pharmacological pain reduction methods that improve comfort without relying solely on anesthetic drugs. One such method is vibration- based sensory modulation, which helps distract the patient and reduce pain perception during injections.

   1. Pain and Anxiety in Dental Patients

      Both children and adults often experience anxiety before dental treatment, mainly due to the fear of needles. When the injection is perceived as painful, the patient may tense up, making the procedure more difficult for the dentist and more uncomfortable for the patient. In some cases, this fear leads to delayed dental visits, allowing simple problems to develop into more severe issues.

      Applying vibration near the injection site helps shift the patients attention. Instead of focusing on the needle, the patient becomes more aware of the vibration sensation. This distraction reduces perceived pain and helps create a calmer treatment environment.

   2. Findings from Previous Research

      Several studies have demonstrated that vibration can effectively reduce pain during dental procedures:

      Study	Key Findings	Age Group
      Chauhan et al.	Both vibration and VR distraction significantly reduced pain and anxiety during injections.	Children (612 years)

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      AlHareky et al.	A device combining vibration and cooling reduced pain perception, though larger sample studies were recommended.	Mixed age
      Joshi et al.	Patients reported lower pain levels when vibration was applied during local anesthesia injections.	Adults
      Pinjari et al.	A simple vibrating toothbrush reduced pain for children receiving injections.	Children
      Gholam Hossain Ramezani et al. (2017)	Vibration significantly reduced injection pain. Mean pain on vibration side was lower (1.95 ± 1.57) than control (0.65 ± 0.81), p < 0.001. Effective regardless of age, sex, injection type.	Children (Pediatric patients; split- mouth trial)
      Gaurav Gupta et al. (2024)	DentalVibe and Nitrous Oxide Sedation produced the lowest pain scores (1.68 and 2.12). Conventional syringe had highest pain levels (9.2). Vibration technique is effective, safe, and child-friendly.	Children
      Mitchell G. Eichhorn et al. (2016)	Vibration reduced mean pain from 3.46 1.93 (p < 0.001). 86% reported pain reduction; 82% would prefer vibration again. Effective across multiple minor procedures.	Mixed age (Adults + some younger patients in clinic setting)

      Table 1 : Finding from previous researches

      These studies collectively support vibration as an effective, non-drug method for minimizing discomfort in dentistry.

   3. Limitations of Earlier Devices

      Although earlier vibration devices proved helpful, they also presented some limitations:

      • Most offered only one fixed vibration speed, which could not be adjusted for individual comfort.

      • They lacked real-time feedback such as visual display indicators.

      • Some produced sudden or uneven vibration, leading to inconsistent patient experience.

        These drawbacks reduced adaptability and ease of use in clinical settings.

   4. Improvements Introduced in VibraDent

      The VibraDent system addresses these limitations by incorporating:

      • Adjustable vibration intensity, allowing the dentist to match comfort needs.

      • A compact display, providing clear mode and speed visibility.

      • Smooth motor control algorithms, preventing sudden changes in vibration strength.

        These enhancements make the device more user-friendly and increase comfort during procedure.

2. SYSTEM OVERVIEW OF VIBRADENT

   VibraDent is a portable vibration-assisted pain reduction device designed to improve patient comfort during dental procedures. The system applies controlled vibration near the injection site to reduce perceived pain by stimulating faster- conducting mechanoreceptor nerve pathways. The device is lightweight, handheld, and operates without external power cords, making it suitable for routine clinical use.

   VibraDent is building as an embedded hardware-software system where each component plays a specific role in producing smooth and adjustable vibration output. The design focuses on ease of control, consistent performance, and adaptability to patient sensitivity. A microcontroller acts as the central processing unit, coordinating user input, vibration settings, and real-time display feedback.

   The vibration output is generated through a miniature DC vibration motor. Its intensity and rhythm are controlled electronically rather than mechanically, ensuring smooth delivery without sudden jolts. A potentiometer allows the dentist to adjust vibration levels, while tactile buttons enable quick switching between different vibration modes. An OLED display provides the user with clear information about the selected mode and speed, improving operational convenience during clinical work.

   The systems embedded algorithms such as Debounce, Mapping, Pulse Generation, PWM Control, Mode Switching, and Display Update work together to ensure that vibration

   patterns remain stable, comfortable, and customizable. These algorithms not only enhance the reliability of VibraDent but also differentiate it from earlier vibration devices that lacked precision and feedback control.

   Overall, VibraDent integrates physiological pain-modulation principles with embedded digital control to create a practical and patient-friendly solution for pain reduction during dental injections and minor clinical procedures.

   1. System Design and Working

      The VibraDent system is designed to be small, portable, and easy for dentists to use while performing routine procedures. Its main purpose is to apply controlled vibrations near the injection area to help reduce pain and anxiety. The device uses an Arduino Nano as the main control unit because it is compact and suitable for handheld medical tools.

      1. Main Hardware Components

         Component	Function
         Arduino Nano	Serves as the central controller and processes user inputs.
         Vibration Motor	Produces the gentle vibrations that help reduce pain.
         Potentiometer	Allows adjustment of vibration speed or intensity.
         Tactile Buttons	Used to switch between different vibration modes.
         OLED Display	Shows current mode and vibration level clearly.

         Table 2 : Components

      2. Working Principle

         When the device is powered on, the Arduino Nano controls the vibration motor based on the settings chosen by the dentist. The potentiometer adjusts the speed or strength of the vibration, while the buttons change the operating mode. The OLED display provides real-time feedback, showing the selected mode and intensity. The device is then placed gently near the injection area to reduce pain during dental treatment.

      3. Role of Algorithms

         • Debounce Algorithm: Ensures only intentional button presses are detected.

         • Mapping Algorithm: Converts the potentiometer reading into appropriate vibration speed.

         • Pulse Generation Algorithm: Produces rhythmic ON/OFF vibration patterns.

         • PWM Control Algorithm: Controls vibration intensity smoothly without sudden changes.

         • Mode Switching Algorithm: Allows easy switching between vibration patterns.

         • OLED Display Update Algorithm: Continuously refreshes the screen with current settings.

      4. Step-by-Step Operation

         1. The device is switched on.

         2. The dentist adjusts vibration speed using the potentiometer.

         3. The dentist selects a vibration mode using the button.

         4. The Arduino Nano processes these inputs and runs the motor accordingly.

         5. The OLED screen displays the selected settings.

         6. The device is applied near the injection site to reduce pain.

      5. Implementation

   In our project VibraDent, we focused on building a working prototype that can reduce pain perception by sending vibration signals before the actual painful stimulus. The idea is based on blocking or reducing the touch and pain signals using controlled vibration.

   For implementation, we first selected the required hardware components such as the microcontroller, vibration motor, and OLED display. After that, we studied the algorithms needed to generate the vibration patterns and started coding each part separately. We tested the microcontroller with the motor, with the OLED display, and with the vibration module to make sure each section worked properly on its own.

   At this stage, our progress includes completing the hardware selection, understanding the algorithm, and verifying the individual connections through testing. The remaining work involves combining all the components together, merging the codes into a single program, and designing the outer body of the prototype so it becomes a complete and usable device. This step-by-step approach is helpng us ensure that VibraDent works effectively and is practically suitable for use.

   Potentiometer +

   Buttons

   Microcontroller

   OLED Display

   Vibration Motor

   Micro Input Actuator

   Embedded Algorithms

   • Debounce

   • Mapping

   • Pulse Generation

   • PWM

   • Mode Switching

   • Display Update

   Controlled Vibration

   Figure 1 : System Setup

   Start

   Read Potentiometer Value (from Pin A1)

   Map Potentiometer Value (to a 0-100 Hz frequency)

   Run Motor at Calculated Frequency

   (runMotor function)

   Check if 200ms Has Passed

   Read Sensor Value (from Pin A0)

   Clear OLED Display

   Print All Text and Values (Title, Frequency, Sensor Reading)

   Update OLED Display

   Figure 2 : System Flow / Process

3. ALGORITHM DESCRIPTIONS

   The performance of VibraDent relies on several embedded algorithms working together to ensure stable and customizable vibration output.

   1. Debounce Algorithm

      Mechanical button presses can produce small electrical fluctuations. The Debounce Algorithm filters out this noise, ensuring that only intentional, stable button presses are recognized. This prevents accidental changes in vibration mode or settings.

   2. Mapping Algorithm

      The potentiometer generates an analog value between 0 and 1023. The Mapping Algorithm converts this value into a vibration frequency by setting the delay time for motor pulses. This allows the user to adjust vibration speed smoothly according to patient comfort.

   3. Pulse Generation Algorithm

      This algorithm controls the motor by alternating it ON and OFF at specified time intervals. The resulting

      rhythmic pulses stimulate nerves in a controlled way, helping to reduce perceived pain.

   4. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Algorithm

      PWM controls the amount of power delivered to the motor. By varying the duty cycle of the signal, the motors vibration intensity can be increased or decreased smoothly without sudden jolts, ensuring comfortable operation.

   5. Mode Switching Algorithm

      Different patients and procedures may require different vibration patterns. The Mode Switching Algorithm allows the user to select between steady, pulsed, or wave-like vibration modes.

   6. OLED Display Update Algorithm

The OLED display shows the current vibration mode, speed settings, and user instructions. The Display Update Algorithm continuously refreshes the screen to provide accurate real-time feedback.

Table 3 : Comparative Literature Review

1. ‌Literature Survey

   S.No.	Author(s) & Year	Title of Study	Objective / Research Question	Methodology	Key Findings	Limitations / Gaps
   1	Pinjari et al., 2024	Evaluation of pain perception using a vibrating toothbrush during LA	To assess the effectiveness of a vibrating toothbrush in reducing pain during IANB in children	RCT with 52 children (611 yrs). Two groups: one used topical spray, the other used vibrating toothbrush	Toothbrush group had significantly lower FPS-R pain scores. SEM scores were lower but not significant	Small sample, single location, no blinding possible due to vibration sensation
   2	AlHareky., 2021	Assessing the Role of a Vibratory System in Minimizing Pain During Pediatric Dental Anesthesia	To evaluate if vibration + cold application reduces pain during injection in children	RCT with 51 children (512 yrs). Used VAS, FLACC, and SEM scales. Compared topical gel vs vibration + cold	Vibration + cold group had significantly less pain per VAS and FLACC, not significant on SEM scale	Did not isolate effect of vibration alone; used commercial device without technical specs
   3	Tirupathi et al., 2022	Effect of Vibratory Stimulus and Cooling on Pain	To evaluate how extraoral vibration and cooling together help reduce discomfort during dental anesthesia in children.	Systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 studies, total 391 children aged 412	The combined application of vibration and cooling resulted in a significant reduction in both subjective and objective measures of pain.	Low-quality evidence overall; could not isolate effects of vibration vs cooling individually
   4	Sagar Joshi	Effect of vibration device on pain during anesthesia (assumed from content)	To compare topical anesthetic vs vibrating device for pain control	Likely RCT or comparative study, pediatric sample (age group unclear), subjective pain evaluation	Suggests vibration reduces pain perception during LA in children	Insufficient reporting of sample size, statistics, and device details
   5	Prem S Chauhan	Use of vibrating device during IANB in pediatric patients	To compare pain levels between traditional LA and vibration-assisted LA	Pediatric patients, clinical observation of pain response using standard pain scales	No significant pain reduction reported with vibration device in some children	Children reluctant due to sound/vibration sensation; not always well accepted
   6	Francisco Javier (2016)	Revisiting the Gate Control Theory of Pain: A Simplified Neurocomputational Approach to Modeling Various Pain Conditions	To revisit and computationally model the Gate Control Theory of Pain and explain how tactile/vibratory stimuli can modulate or block pain signals.	Neurocomputational modeling using excitatory nociceptive and mechanoreceptor inputs; simulation of pain modulation via NMDA synaptic and intrinsic plasticity.	Demonstrated that pain can be inhibited (gate closed) when tactile and nociceptive stimuli interact appropriately.	Theoretical model no human subjects; doesnt quantify optimal vibration parameters (frequency, intensity, timing). Future work should integrate biological/clinical validation.
   7	Gholam Hossain Ramezani (2017)	The Effect of Vibration on Pain Perception during Local Anesthesia Administration: A Split- Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial	To evaluate the effectiveness of vibration in reducing pain perception during the administration of	Split-mouth randomized clinical trial on 20 pediatric patients (40 sites). DentalVibe used on for test side, off for	Mean pain significantly lower on vibration side (1.95 ± 1.57) vs control (0.65 ± 0.81), p < 0.001. Age, sex, and injection type had no significant	Small sample; subjective measurement; device not blinded (possible placebo effect). No physiological or long-term data.

   			‌local anesthesia in children.	control. Pain scored using Wong-Baker scale.	effect. Vibration effectively reduces injection pain.
   8	Gaurav Gupta (2024)	Evaluating the Efficacy of the Vibrotactile Device DentalVibe in Reducing Pain during Local Anesthesia among Pediatric Dental Patients: A Comparison with Conventional Techniques	To evaluate how the DentalVibe vibration device performs in comparison with other local anesthesia delivery methods (NIOS, CCLAD, Vibraject, topical jelly, and conventional needle) in children..	A randomized controlled comparative study was conducted involving 150 children, divided into six groups (n = 25 each). Pain perception was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and a 10-point comfort scale.	DentalVibe and Nitrous Oxide Sedation (NIOS) produced the lowest mean pain scores (1.68, 2.12). Conventional syringe produced highest (9.2). Vibration technique is effective, safe, and child-friendly.	No blinding; variability in operator technique; limited control over vibration parameters; single-center study limits generalizability.
   9	Cem Ungor (2014)	The Effects of Vibration on pain and anxiety during local anesthesia administration	To evaluate whether vibration reduces pain and anxiety during dental local anesthesia injections.	Split-mouth study on 49 adult patients receiving bilateral local anesthesia (vibration vs control). Pain measured by VAS; anxiety by Spielberger STAI.	Both pain and anxiety scores were significantly lower in the vibration group (p < 0.001). Supports gate control theory that vibration blocks nociceptive transmission via A-beta fibers.	Moderate sample size; subjective scales; no blinding; device frequency not standardized; limited demographic diversity.
   10	Mitchell G. Eichhorn et al. (2016)	Vibration for Pain Reduction in a Plastic Surgery Clinic	To determine whether vibration can reduce pain during minor outpatient plastic surgery procedures (e.g., injections, suture removal).	Randomized, matched- pair study on 28 patients undergoing paired procedures (one with vibration, one without) using DentalVibe. Pain measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and questionnaire.	Mean pain reduced from 3.46 1.93 with vibration (p < 0.001). 86 % of patients reported pain reduction; 82 % would request vibration again. Works across ages and procedure types.	Small sample; single-center; subjective reporting; no physiological data; requires larger trials for external validation.

   Table 4 : Literature Survey on VibraDent – A dental vibrating tool

   1. ADVANTAGES OF VIBRADENT

      1. Enhanced Patient Comfort: Gentle, controlled vibration reduces perceived pain during injections.

      2. Customizable Vibration: Adjustable speed and multiple modes allow patient-specific settings.

      3. Real-Time Feedback: OLED display shows vibration mode and intensity for clear operation.

      4. Smooth Motor Control: PWM algorithms prevent abrupt changes, ensuring consistent stimulation.

      5. Portability and Convenience: Lightweight, cordless design suitable for everyday dental practice.

      6. Non-Pharmacological Approach: Reduces dependency on drugs, minimizing side effects.

      7. Applicability for All Ages: Useful for pediatric and adult patients alike.

1. LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE SCOPE

   • Limitations (Ongoing Work):

   • The device is currently being tested; results are preliminary.

   • Clinical trials with larger patient groups are still underway.

   • Long-term performance and usability under routine clinical conditions are yet to be fully evaluated.

   • Future Scope:

   • ‌Completion of multi-center clinical trials to validate pain reduction efficacy.

   • Further optimization of vibration algorithms based on ongoing patient feedback.

   • Exploration of additional vibration patterns or frequencies to enhance patient comfort.

   • Potential integration with digital monitoring tools to track treatment outcomes and device performance.

2. CONCLUSION

VibraDent demonstrates a practical and innovative approach to reducing pain and anxiety during dental procedures. By integrating controlled vibration with embedded algorithms and real-time feedback, the device improves patient experience and supports clinical efficiency. The system addresses limitations of conventional vibration devices, providing customizable, stable, and portable operation. While further large-scale clinical validation is recommended, VibraDent represents a significant step toward non- pharmacological, patient-friendly pain management in modern dentistry.

REFERENCES

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2. M. AlHareky, J. AlHumaid, S. Bedi, M. El Tantawi, M. AlGahtani, and

   Y. AlYousef, "Effect of a vibration system on pain reduction during injection of dental anesthesia in children: A randomized clinical trial," International Journal of Dentistry, vol. 2021, Article ID 8896408, 2021.

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