Correlates of pediatric behavior and distress during intramuscular injections for invasive dental procedures.

Relations between general behavior, temperament, and procedure-related behavior and distress were examined in children receiving intramuscular injections before undergoing restorative dental procedures. Younger children are likely to benefit the most from interventions prior to and during dental procedures. Children's anxiety before dental procedures could help identify those at risk of displaying problematic behaviors. General behavior and temperament seem useful at identiying children who may experience greater levels of pain.