Factors influencing the discomfort of intraoral needle penetration.

This study with 24 volunteers compared the discomfort produced by needle penetration in different parts of the palatal mucosa. In addition, comparing a fresh needle to one that was used for a previous penetration in the same patient, we assessed the influence of the status of the needle on insertion discomfort during buccal mucosal penetration. The results showed that needle penetration in the anterior hard palate was more uncomfortable than in the posterior palate. Although men could not differentiate between fresh and used needles for a second buccal mucosal penetration, women reported a significant increase in discomfort with used needles.