Experience The Difference > New Local Anesthetic


DR. JERRY GORDON
New Local Anesthetic Aids Patient Comfort

I decided to try Septocaine and found that it was indeed superior to the other local anesthetics that I had been using. I found that my patients became more numb than before, and the vast majority told me that they felt no pain during routine or surgical dental procedures.

Few things in dentistry are as important as how well the local anesthetic works. A local anesthetic is what a dentist uses in the injection to get their patient numb. Years ago, dentists used the local anesthetic Novocain, and many people still associate it with what the dentist uses for “the shot”. It may surprise you to learn that for many years, dentists have replaced Novocain with safer, more predictable local anesthetics. Some of the most common anesthetics used in dentistry today are lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine and others. Recently, a new local anesthetic called Septocaine (Articaine) has received FDA approval for use in the United States after years of successful use in Europe and Canada.

About two months ago, I read in a dental journal about this new local anesthetic (Septocaine). The article’s authors had written very positively about it, and my interest was piqued. I decided to try Septocaine and found that it was indeed superior to the other local anesthetics that I had been using. I found that my patients became more numb than before, and the vast majority told me that they felt no pain during routine or surgical dental procedures.

It is hard to overstate the importance of a strong local anesthetic. The ability to get a patient numb is fundamental to performing dental treatment painlessly. Procedures that include dental fillings, root canal, having a tooth removed, crowns (caps), implants, gum procedures, etc. would be nearly intolerable without effective local anesthesia. In fact, patients who suffered through dental procedures many years ago without the benefit of local anesthesia may still harbor fears about their experience to this very day.

Although one recent study on Septocaine found it to be equally as effective as other dental anesthetics, I suspect that may change in the future. For now, it’s good to know that all dentists have access to a great new dental anesthetic to aid in patient comfort.

 


Monday:  
9am to 8pm
Tuesday:  
9am to 9pm
Wednesday:  
10am to 9pm
Thursday:  
9am to 9pm
Friday:  
9am to 1pm
Saturday:  
9am to 4pm
 
 

Curbing dental costs today and tomorrow
Most people know that dental care can be expensive, especially for those who have avoided seeing a dentist for several years.  more

Be wary of "Dental Vacations"
A new trend may be emerging where some people are willing...  more

Simple procedure can replace missing teeth
The three most common ways a dentist can replace one or more missing teeth ...  more

Read more on Dr. Gordon's Blog.

Search all articles:


Dr. Jerry Gordon’s academic
credentials, affiliations, and
community involvement.

Watch Dr. Gordon perform a root
canal, crown, dentures, and air abrasion.
New techniques and materials that reduce or eliminate discomfort both during and after visits.
Find out where Dr. Gordon’s articles are being referenced around the world on the WWW.
The Dental Comfort Zone. 2734 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020 | Site Map | Disclaimer | Copyright
© 2008 The Dental Comfort Zone All Rights Reserved.