Is Painless Dentistry Without Needles Possible?

For some people, the very idea of a needle, a hypodermic needle to be exact, is anathema to their very being. Therefore, these individuals cannot deal with this aspect of dental procedures and must find alternatives. Avoiding going to the dentist because of fear of needles and drills is a real problem for the oral care sector, because neglect ends up costing these people and the nation much more in the long run. So, the question – Is painless dentistry without needles possible? Becomes very important for the health of Australians and the world. Dental anxiety is a very real problem and anything that can alleviate such issues will contribute to better outcomes for both fearful patients and dentists.

Australian Trial Into Needle-Free Dentistry

The good news is that a pain-free and needle-free dental procedure trial is currently underway downunder. At Griffith University, Professor Roy George (not Boy George – Do You Really Want To Hurt Me), from their School of Medicine and Dentistry is studying the effectiveness of something called Nuralyte.

“ “I see so many people who avoid a trip to the dentist because of either a fear of needles, pain or just seeing the dentist in general,”
“But Nuralyte is a small device, similar to an electric toothbrush but instead of a brush, the end comprises a series of photonic emitters with specific wavelengths that can go through the tooth structure and bone, blocking the nerve conduction in the same way a needle and local anaesthetic would do.”
Laser induced analgesia is an important innovation that could address discomfort associated with many dental procedures that need numbing of a tooth or tissues with a needle.
“This non-invasive needle-free procedure is important for management of patients with anxiety, children or patients that are intellectually disabled,” Professor George said.”
– Bite Magazine 

Pain Relief Out Of The Realms Of Science Fiction Is Real

This sounds like Star Trek technology and is something to get excited about if it really works. I know I just close my eyes and think of other things when that humongous needle goes into my open mouth during dental procedures. This is easier said than done for many much more sensitive individuals than myself. Getting older doesn’t have many upsides but dealing with invasive medical procedures is one of the few in my experience.

How cool is ‘laser induced analgesia’ emitting photons with special wavelengths that block nerve conduction. Wow, that is a mouth full in and of itself. No wonder, we in Australia need to get our university degree ratio up to 80% of the working population by 2050. The world is becoming increasing complex at every juncture. Sure, we may have all this AI capability, but we will still need to understand what is going on if we want to avoid getting into trouble down the track. The Nuralyte device by Dentroid could be ready to grace dental clinics and surgeries by 2025 if all goes according to plan. A big chunk of dental anxiety may end up obsolete sooner than many might think. Apparently, one burst of photon light from the Nuralyte can potentially provide 20 minutes of pain-free time and space in patients. This device could be a real game changer in the dentistry sector.

Understanding The Science Behind Photomodulation Technologies

“Red light therapy (RLT) has been gaining in popularity among medical and dental professionals as a safe and effective treatment option that can help speed up recovery times for certain injuries or ailments. RLT, also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy, is the process of diffusing concentrated wavelengths of natural light into the skin/mucosal lining of the mouth to treat various ailments by improving the functioning of cells. It is a form of specialized treatment that uses wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing and repair processes within the body. Red and near-infrared light occupies the “long end” of the visible spectrum with wavelengths of 630–940 nm (figure 1). This article will outline what RLT is, how it works, its potential health benefits, and how to apply it within the dental profession.”
– https://www.perioimplantadvisory.com

This is a different application of this technology but also involves laser light applications. In the above excerpt from the research paper this application uses red light photons to speed up the healing time for cells in the mouth. Photons are being emitted to target an array of inflammatory conditions, which often do not respond well to more traditional medical treatments like drug therapies. It is an exciting time to be alive and to witness these new technologies being applied to dentistry and medicine.

Pain Relief & Dentistry

We all know that going to the dentist for most of us is an unavoidable necessity. Dentistry has come a long way since Pierre Fauchard founded what we know of today as modern dentistry in the first half of the 18C. Still, for much of my life a trip to the dental surgery has sometimes felt like stepping back in time for some medieval torture. All those sharp instruments inside one of the most sensitive parts of my body does not make me all warm and fuzzy, No, I leave that to the laughing gas and other pain relief like the big needle. The need for pain relief via drugs or some other form of hocus pocus has become closely associated with dental procedures in the current era. There are many people who detest going to the dentist and fear it big time. Think about those who are more challenged by the experience like little kids, the intellectually disabled, and those with phobias. Could the photon emitting device be the saviour for all those with dental phobias? If the Nuralyte makes its way into dental clinics across the land it will be a massive game changer for dentists and patients.

Getting Pain Relief At The Dentist Now

What is currently available at your local dental clinic in terms of pain relief? Anaesthetics being given at the moment include a topical anaesthetic applied to the area prior to the injection of a local anaesthetic like Lidocaine.

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas has been around for many years and this is breathed in through a mask. It can make one feel very relaxed and much less anxious about the dental procedure. It is fast working and wears off very quickly.

Intravenous sedation is much more full on in terms of heavily sedating the patient. It is usually reserved for those having extensive dental surgery and those who are very anxious about invasive dental procedures. Oxygen levels need to be monitored during intravenous sedation.

General anaesthesia is the total knock out and putting the patient to sleep. This is usually administered in a hospital surgery setting and requires monitoring of patient blood pressure. Only certain dentists are licensed to carry this out.

There are many mind body spirit type, alternative or complementary approaches used by some dentists. These include relaxation and breathing techniques which can work for some people. Hypnosis is another technique which can be effective for some.
The painless dentistry without needles technology of the Nuralyte may be the future of pain management. Stay tuned for further information about this exciting new approach to pain relief in the dental clinic.

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