Dental anesthesia without needles, or needle-free anesthesia, is a method of numbing the mouth for dental procedures without the use of traditional needles. This method can be beneficial for patients who have a fear of needles or experience pain with traditional injections. Children, especially, may do better with anesthesia without a needle when they need a dental procedure.
There are a number of different ways to get anesthesia into the body without using a needle. Here are just a few:
Jet Injectors Offer an Alternative to Needles
One option for needle-free anesthesia is the use of a jet injector. This device uses high-pressure air to deliver anesthetic under the skin rather than via a needle. This method is fast-acting and can provide a deep level of anesthesia that will allow for a more comfortable invasive dental procedure.
VibraJect Reduces Pain Associated with Needles
While VibraJect does not remove the need for a needle, it does reduce the pain associated with the use of a needle for injection. This device attaches to a traditional needle and uses a high-frequency vibration to reduce the pain associated with a needle injection.
The Wand Is Less Painful Than a Traditional Needle
Another option is a device called the Wand. It is a computer-controlled device that utilizes a slow and steady flow of anesthetic for painless injections. This device is less painful than traditional needles, and it is also more accurate.
Lidocaine Spray May Be an Alternative
No needles are used to apply liposomal lidocaine. When administered in spray form, the substance is spritzed directly onto the gums before a dental procedure, which can provide a numbing effect that lasts for a brief period of time.
This method is not as effective as traditional needles in providing deep anesthesia, but it can be a good option for patients with a fear of needles. It should be noted, however, that any invasive dental procedure will be painful even with the lidocaine at its peak.
Homeopathic Options Diminish Pain but Do Not Replace Anesthesia
There are a handful of homeopathic options that may help to diminish the experience of pain or provide a sense of numbness. For example, clove oil can be applied topically to the gums before a procedure to provide a numbing effect. However, like lidocaine, it is not as effective as traditional needles in providing deep anesthesia.
Which Is the Best Anesthesia Option for Me?
Each alternative to needles has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on your specific needs as well as the type of procedure being performed. If you are in need of a dental procedure that requires anesthesia, contact Dison Family Dentistry to set up a consultation and learn more about your options.