I’m worried about dental injections, is there any way to avoid them?

First of all; you are not alone, anaesthetic injections are one of the main reasons people are put off visiting the dentist. Even though the needles used are quite small, and the discomfort only lasts a few seconds, there is something about injections that terrifies people. Thankfully, there is a new system which promises a painless experience, it’s called the Wand, and it uses computer technology to administer the correct amount of anaesthetic solution at the exact rate required, therefore eliminating the stinging sensation that some patients experience when the anaesthetic first enters their system. The Wand still uses a needle – unfortunately there’s no getting around that – but it’s much smaller than the ones used in traditional dental equipment, and the flow rate is controlled by a computer program, thereby removing human error from the equation. Painless injections are particularly useful with elderly patients, young children, and those who are extremely nervous about attending dental appointments.

How can it be a painless injection, if there is still a needle?

Most of the time, when you receive anaesthetic, you will feel what is referred to as a ‘bee sting’, which describes the sensation you experience when the solution begins to flow into your system; this is due to the human element present. By using a computer system to calculate the speed and pressure needed to administer a painless injection, the chances of feeling any discomfort are significantly reduced. Furthermore, even though the Wand does the same job as a syringe, it doesn’t look like one at all, it has been designed to look and feel more like a ball-point pen, this not only makes it easier for the dentist to manoeuvre, it also has less impact on the mental state of the patient; if they don’t see a large needle, they are likely to feel calmer. Studies have shown that needles are the chief cause of anxiety in dental patients, but by making the Wand smaller and more discreet, the process of administering anaesthetic is much less intimidating. In most cases, it’s the psychological fears that people are giving in to, rather than any previous experience of actual pain, so any new products that can put a patient at ease as soon as they enter the surgery, can only be a good thing.

How is the Wand used?

The needles is connected to the computer via a foot pedal, which means the dentists doesn’t have to leave the patients side to press buttons or make calculations, once the process is under way. When both parties are ready to begin, all the dentist has to do is press evenly on the pedal, then simply hold the Wand in the right position, and the computer does the rest. The anaesthetic should flow out of the needle at the precise rate required to painlessly numb the area, and it should only take a few seconds to administer the right amount. The procedure is so simple and fast, that it is usually completed before the patient even realises the injecting has begun.

The latest designs for painless injections work in one of two modes, which provide the dentist with varying levels of control over speed of delivery, this is very useful, as some dentists are more comfortable with a fairly manual approach, and the amount of anaesthetic needed can change according to the area that is being operated on. There is also an STA mode, which stands for Single Tooth Anaesthesia; on this setting, the machine beeps to let the dentist know the needle has been correctly placed, and indicates which mode the computer is operating in, by using its voice. Revolutionary designs like this are improving and evolving all the time, in an effort to make the experience more comfortable for both dentist and patient.

Are there any drawbacks to painless injections?

Just the name ‘painless injection’ seems to suggest that there is nothing bad about this technique, but no system is completely perfect, and it’s important to be aware of any disadvantages before you begin treatment. Although, it has to be said that the positive aspects generally outweigh the negative with this kind of procedure.

Cost – Because the Wand use a computer and boasts painless injections, it does come with a higher price tag than traditional methods, this affects both the surgery and its patients; more investment is required to implement the new system, which in turn pushes the price of treatment up. Furthermore, the Wand has several disposable parts that need to be replaced for use with every patient that the dentist operates on, this can significantly increase monthly outgoings for the clinic, so it’s important to make sure that the equipment is really necessary and a worthwhile investment for everyone involved. Dental surgeons often chose to research such high-cost tools before just counting out the cash, and they can get a good idea of how the system works at expo’s and trade shows, where companies can advertise the latest in dental technology.

Availability – Because the Wand is relatively new to the UK market, you might struggle to find a clinic that can offer it as part of their service, and some dentists don’t like to use it because they are skilled and experienced with giving injections freehand. It also takes time and training to become proficient with any unfamiliar equipment, which can slow progress down, as dentists are often too busy to schedule training sessions. It might be a while before painless injections are available at your local surgery, but if you are really scared of traditional anaesthetic needles, you can call the Pearl Dental Clinic, and book your treatment through them; their helpful, friendly dentists are fully trained in all the latest surgical techniques, and they offer painless injections as a standard part of their customer service. Call now, to book a consultation, or just to speak to a member of the team about the treatments available.