 The size of the needle makes no difference in the level of perceived injection pain, reports a study from General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's journal. Here are some practical ways to make the dreaded injection less unpleasant.
A press release from the Academy of General Dentistry:
Many people are hesitant to visit the dentist for a variety of reasons, such as concerns about the pain that may be involved. For
many patients, needles (as well as needle size) in particular may
invoke a great deal of anxiety. However, in a study from the May/June
2007 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s
(AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal, researchers found that there was
no difference in pain perception regarding the size of the needle used
to inject anesthesia, which helps to make patients comfortable during
dental procedures.
One
of the study’s authors, Michael J. Wahl, DDS, says that there was no
difference in the pain that patients perceived when using
larger-diameter (wider) needles. “Many assume that small diameter needles (and therefore smaller puncture wounds)mean less injection pain—but that’s not what we found. For perceived injection pain, size doesn’t matter.”
However, Gene Antenucci, DDS, FAGD, and an AGD spokesperson, feels that patients become fearful when they see the needle. “Often
times, when a patient sees a needle coming, the pain perception is
heightened,” he says. However, dentists can do a number of things to
make a patient feel comfortable. “To ease their fears, it often helps to focus on relaxing by breathing regularly and slowly. Patients can also use hand signals to indicate when they are uncomfortable.”
No
matter the gauge of the needle, the most important factor in overcoming
dental anxiety is a good dentist/patient relationship. “Dental anxiety
is a real condition,” Dr. Antenucci says. “I encourage my patients to speak to me about their concerns. If I am aware of their fears, I will work with them.”
What can I do to relieve dental anxiety?
- Avoid caffeine before a dental appointment.
- Eat high-protein foods, which produce a calming effect, unlike sugary foods.
- During
the procedure, focus on breathing regularly and slowly. When you are
nervous you tend to hold your breath, which decreases oxygen levels and
further increases feelings of panic.
- Talk to the dentist about specific fears and concerns. He or she can go a long way to dispel any negative or frightening images.
The AGD is a professional association of more than
35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the
profession through continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD has
grown to become the world's second largest dental association, which is
the only association that exclusively represents the needs and
interests of general dentists. More than 772,000 persons are employed
directly in the field of dentistry. A general dentist is the primary
care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the
diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services
related to patients' oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member
dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public/.
Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or
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.
Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's
peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related
press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.
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