Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Skipping Shots

By Dr. Linda Niessen
Monday, November 29, 2004

STORY:  SKIPPING SHOTS
SCRIPT # 584  SHOOT:  11/2/04
AIRDATE:  Monday, Nov. 29, 2004
Daybreak and Midday
DHC Master #20  Timecode: 22:28

A new type of anesthetic allows dental patients to skip a shot but still get pain relief. Dr. Linda Niessen looks at a completely different approach to local anesthesia in this segment of Dental Health Check.

John Ankeney has never liked getting shots, especially from his periodontist. So he was happy to hear that there was a new alternative. "This had to pain whatsoever. They put a local gel on the outside. They take the little tube and stick it down your gum. And it only takes a minute," said John.

The alternative, called Oraqix, provides local anesthesia, similar to what you get from a dentist's injection but without the needle.

"It's a combination of two anesthetics that we already use in dentistry," said Periodontist Dr. Thomas Wilson. "So far, using this product, almost all of the patients have not had to have any traditional local anesthetic with the needle, which I think is wonderful."

A dental hygienist or dentist applies the anesthetic gel around the gum line through a blunt tip applicator. In about thirty seconds, that part of the mouth becomes numb. Dental Hygienist Kara Webb said, "And as a hygienist, I am able to do a more thorough deep scaling of the gums and get a better response from the tissue because of that."

The FDA approved Oraqix for adults with gum disease who undergo scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning. Patients may need a local anesthetic before having this periodontal procedure.

Patient John Ankeney added, "It was actually better than Novocain."

If you have a needle phobia, ask your dentist about this new local anesthetic that lets you skip the shot instead of skipping the appointment. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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