Imagine having to go through dental cavity or root canal without any drilling or anesthesia to numb that area. This could actually be possible. A latest study says that nasal spray could be used to numb the upper jaw, which would in turn eliminate the use of painful anesthesia injections used in dental procedures.
The findings of this study are soon to be tested in an FDA Phase 3 trial. Sebastian Ciancio, DDS, University of Buffalo SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and chair of the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, had directed the Phase 2 trial, and is said to be the one who will manage the Phase 3 trial. The Phase 3 trial will be conducted later this year at the University of Buffalo dental school and other clinical sites.
Ciancio says that on an average about 6 to 10 million dental needle injections are given daily. He also says, “A successful trial of this new dental anesthetic will change dental technology worldwide.” The success of the Phase 3 trial could completely eliminate the use of dental injections on the upper teeth.
The FDA Phase 2 trial was conducted at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. The results of this trial which was conducted on 48 subjects revealed that the spray alternative seemed to be safe and effective for use. The nasal spray is said to be closely associated with a drug used in nose operations by ear, nose and throat physicians. The patient’s who had received this drug described a feeling of numbness in their upper teeth. Thus, hinting at its potential use and replacement of anesthesia in dental procedures. However, this spray is said to have a numbing effect only on the upper teeth.
These findings could be of immense help to the dentists worldwide and to their patients as well.