A Technology to Help Overcome Fear of the Dentist

Ever hear someone say “I’m afraid of the dentist”? Unfortunately, the phrase is more common than you think.

Each year between 5 and 8 percent of Americans avoid dentists due to fear according to the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington. The American Dental Association puts that number at 40 million Americans.

While there are many reasons people avoid going to the dentist, most dental phobia comes from having a procedure that includes a painful injection. But there is some good news. Modern technologies are now available to help eliminate that pain—and much of the fear associated with a visit to the dentist.

One especially interesting development is a computer-controlled instrument called The Wand (www.thewand.com) that regulates the flow of anesthesia. This is important because pain doesn’t come from the needle. It’s caused from the anesthesia being delivered – and building up – too quickly. What’s unique about The Wand is that it removes the pressure inconsistency of manual injections, virtually eliminating the pain that often results during the numbing process.

The Wand also works very quickly so you’ll spend less time in the chair waiting to start your procedure. Best of all, the instrument (which is no bigger than your basic pen) delivers the anesthetic to the specific spot where it’s needed—i.e. a single tooth—without having to numb a large and unnecessary part of the mouth. This means you don’t leave with the feeling of a fat lip or numb tongue, and in most cases can immediately get back to whatever you were doing before the appointment…including work.

Dr. Cynthia K. Brattesani, DDS (http://www.drcynthiab.com/), a local dentist with an office in San Francisco, has used The Wand for a while. “I like the technology because I know how comfortable it will make my patients,” says Dr. Brattesani.

She noted that the controlled delivery of anesthesia is, for her, better than manual injections because “there’s no inconsistent pressure coming from a syringe plunger.” Dr. Brattesani added that, based on patient comments and her observations, the technology reduces the pain that often occurs with manual injections, which is why it works so well with people who fear needles.

So next time you hear someone say they’re afraid of seeing the dentist, think of Dr. Brattesani—and tell them there are now technologies available that can literally make them feel better about the visit.

Dr. Cynthia K. Brattesani, DDS

A 1989 graduate of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry, Dr. Brattesani lectures nationally on technology in the dental office focused on improving the patient positive experience. In 1994 she served as a woman’s spokesperson for the ADA. In 2015 she received the UCSF 150th Anniversary Alumni Excellence Award. She is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. She maintains general private practice in San Francisco for adults.