Going to the dentist is not an experience individuals tend to enjoy, as the cost and discomfort associated with many procedures can put people off booking themselves in for a check-up.
However, for some this problem can run much deeper, with a high number of people avoiding their clinic altogether – even if this means failing to undergo treatment to resolve oral health issues that may have developed.
This is often due to some kind of dental phobia, which affects individuals in many different ways – the most common of these being a fear of needles.
The Wand is a type of computer-controlled dental injection, which administers local anaesthetic at a slow and steady rate – making it much more comfortable for patients with special circumstances.
Designed by Milestone Scientific, the tool has revolutionised dentistry for some members of the public who would otherwise be too scared of sitting in that daunting chair and undergoing treatment.
The majority of people who have endured a bad experience with injections usually believe the stinging sensation is because the skin is pierced. However, this is not the case, this is actually due to the anaesthetic being fired in too quickly.
Although it is possible for a dentist to control the speed with a standard syringe, the objection of the Wand is to remove the chance of human error, which is likely to provide peace of mind for individuals with a needle phobia.
The precise control of flow rate and pressure provides a comfortable injection that even works in hard-to-reach areas including the top of the mouth – also known as the palate – where the tissue is less elastic.
In addition, many professionals prefer the light weight and easy handling of the equipment, as the pen-like grasp allows practitioners to rotate the hand piece – making it easier to slide the needle in.
The Wand also looks non-threatening and more attractive than traditional methods, which is likely to make those people living with a phobia feel much more relaxed when they would usually experience high anxiety levels.
While the benefits of using the Wand are numerous, there are fewer disadvantages with this method – apart from the fact it is more expensive to operate than a traditional syringe.
Some dental professionals also worry that they are losing time by using the technology to carry out injections because it takes longer to administer, while also requiring staff training to ensure it is being administered correctly.
The base of the invention looks similar to a miniature computer tower, with a small tower featuring a cartridge that is filled with local anaesthetic. A tube connects this area to a pen-like handpiece, which is not dissimilar to a ballpoint pen.
Using this piece of equipment can be enjoyable for the dentist due to its light and easy-to-handle nature. During procedures where the Wand is utilise, a dentist will have a foot pedal connected to the computer tower, allowing the operator to focus their attention on holding the pen in the correct position.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm. You can book an appointment by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or emailing us or booking an appointment online.
