Nasal Spray Could Replace Novocain
If you are one of many who fear the dentist, and that occasional shot of Novocain, help may be on the way.
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine in Philadelphia have been testing a new drug, FDA-approved Kovanaze, which is administered in the form of a nasal spray. They say it is safe and effective, but at this time only approved for dental work on most top teeth.
The drug, which combines a local anesthetic with a nasal decongestant, effectively prevented pain during a single restorative procedure in 88% of patients – a rate comparable to the success of common injectable numbing agents. A runny nose and nasal congestion were the most common side effects; no serious side effects were reported.
According to a statement from Penn Dental Medicine:
“The trial recruited 150 adults set to undergo a single dental filling in an upper bicuspid, canine, or incisor. One hundred patients were assigned Kovanaze and 50 were assigned a placebo spray.”
“Patients received one spray, waited four minutes, received a second spray, waited 10 minutes and then a test drilling was performed. If they experienced pain, they received a third spray. Patients who still experienced pain at that point received a rescue injection of local anesthetic for the procedure.”
It is likely that more studies will be conducted to assess the efficacy of Kovanaze for more invasive dental procedures and to further evaluate its safety in use with children. Current FDA approval is for patients weighing at least 88 pounds.
http://www.phillyvoice.com/going-dentist-could-soon-mean-no-novocain-no-needle/
Leave a reply →
