Dental Fear No More

Fear of dentistry, or perhaps fear of needles is estimated to be the reason as many as 30-40% of Australians avoid dental visits. However, fear of “the needle” or “sensitive teeth” may soon be a thing of the past.
Current research taking place at Griffith University in Queensland has the potential to remove the fear factor associated with dental visits.
The new research is looking into the use of a cluster of LED lights with specific wavelengths that are able to penetrate tooth structure and bone, blocking the conduction of nerves the same way a needle and local anaesthetic solution would.
The light source comes from a small “electric toothbrush” looking device which is simply held over the area or tooth to be anaesthetised (put to sleep).
Preliminary research would suggest a 20 second burst of the light source would effectively numb the area for up to 20 minutes. If required, the light source would be able to be reapplied to the area, further enhancing the length of time the area remains numb.
As the light source is applied locally to the tooth of gum in question, other nerves may not be affected. This means that the broad regional effects of a nerve block, that results in a numb lip for prolonged periods of time may be avoided.
Although the light source may be limited in its scope of use, in the cases that will still require a more profound and long-lasting anaesthetic, the pulse of light delivered to the tissue may be a good way to numb the tissue prior to the use of a needle.
Although little is currently known as patents are pending and the University trials are continuing, the light source carries insufficient energy to cause any change to human DNA.
Anxious patients, needle phobics, patients suffering from sensitive teeth, children and special needs patients would be some of the groups could benefit the most from this revolutionary new technology.
As is often the case, the time taken for a product to find its way from university trials to the market place may be a long time.
In the meanwhile, the use of conscious sedation (inhalational gasses or intravenous sedation) or general anaesthesia remain the gold standard for the treatment of anxious or nervous patients.
Should you suffer dental fear or phobia, please ask you dentist about the alternatives as we know, particularly in dentistry, prevention is far better than cure.