The Wand® Local Anesthesia in Chevy Chase, MD

Nervous about needles, but in need of local anesthesia before your dental treatment? Experience comfortable local anesthesia delivery with The Wand® at Smiles of Chevy Chase. This computerized dental anesthesia system provides Bethesda & Chevy Chase patients with relaxed and pain-free treatments.

Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and her team of dental professionals are proud to offer this revolutionary alternative for local anesthesia delivery. Call our Chevy Chase dental practice at 301-652-0656 today to learn more.

The Wand® by Milestone Scientific is an advanced method of delivering local dental anesthesia and an alternative to conventional local anesthesia injections. This computer-controlled system applies gentle vibrations and pressure to distribute anesthesia evenly under the gums and deeper to numb the area being worked on. The precision flow control of The Wand anesthetic injections allows your Chevy Chase dentist to customize the amount given for maximum effectiveness while enhancing safety and comfort before, during, and after dental procedures.

Local anesthesia is a medication used to numb a specific area of the body temporarily. In dentistry, it's applied to block pain signals from the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. This numbing effect allows dentists to perform procedures ranging from simple fillings to more complex treatments like root canals or tooth extractions, all while keeping you comfortable. Local anesthesia is often used in conjunction with other sedation options, depending on the patient’s needs.

How Does Local Anesthesia Work?

Local anesthetics function by interrupting nerve signals in a targeted area. They block sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This process effectively numbs the treated area, allowing your dentist to work without causing you discomfort.

Types of Local Anesthetics Used in Dentistry

Dental practices use various types of local anesthetics, each chosen based on the specific procedure and individual patient needs. Some common types include:

1. Lidocaine: A fast-acting and widely used anesthetic
2. Articaine: Known for its effectiveness in inflamed tissues
3. Mepivacaine: Offers a longer-lasting numbing effect
4. Prilocaine: Often used for patients sensitive to other anesthetics
5. Bupivacaine: Provides extended duration of action for longer procedures

Our skilled dentists at Smiles of Chevy Chase employ several methods to administer local anesthesia, always prioritizing your comfort:

Topical Anesthetics

Before injecting the local anesthetic, we often apply a topical numbing gel to the area. This minimizes any discomfort from the injection itself.

Injections

The most common method of administering local anesthesia is through carefully placed injections. Our dentists use precise techniques to target specific nerves or tissues, providing effective numbing with minimal discomfort.

The Wand®

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we stay at the forefront of dental technology. We use The Wand’s computer-assisted anesthesia delivery systems, which offer more controlled and comfortable anesthetic administration.

Dental Procedures Using Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia allows us to perform a wide range of dental procedures comfortably. Some common treatments include:

• Dental fillings
• Tooth extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Dental crown placements
• Periodontal treatments
• Dental implant procedures

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we combine advanced dental techniques with compassionate care. Our team, led by Dr. Markogiannakis and Dr. McShane, is dedicated to providing a comfortable, anxiety-free dental experience. We use local anesthesia as part of our commitment to pain-free dentistry, allowing you to receive the care you need without discomfort.

Personalized Anesthesia Care

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we understand that each patient's needs and concerns are unique. Our approach to local anesthesia is no exception. We take the time to discuss your medical history, any previous experiences with anesthesia, and any concerns you may have. This personalized approach allows us to tailor our anesthesia methods to your specific needs, providing the most comfortable experience possible.

State-of-the-Art Anesthesia Techniques

Our commitment to advanced dentistry extends to our anesthesia practices. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies with The Wand to enhance your comfort during dental procedures. From computer-controlled anesthesia delivery systems to pH-balanced anesthetic solutions, we employ methods that minimize discomfort and maximize effectiveness.

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we recognize that each patient is unique. We take into account various factors when administering local anesthesia, including:

• Age
• Overall health status
• Medications you're currently taking
• Pregnancy or nursing status
• History of allergies or adverse reactions

Our dentists will discuss these factors with you and adjust our approach accordingly to provide safe and effective anesthesia.

Our patients benefit from this high-tech alternative to conventional local anesthesia delivery at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Some of these advantages include:

• Enhanced Patient Comfort: The Wand produces less anxiety than traditional local anesthesia and provides virtually painless injections.
• Fewer Injections Needed: Computer control targets precise areas for virtually painless injections.
• Quick Onset: Local anesthetic delivered via The Wand starts working immediately with little to no residual numbness afterward.
• Increased Safety: Computerized local anesthetic delivery provides custom control and reduces complications.
• Wider Dental Procedures Allowed: This computerized system for anesthesia injection makes complex dental treatments possible with less discomfort.

Preparation

Your dentist first selects the appropriate disposable plastic tip based on the area being treated and attaches it to the handpiece. You’ll then receive a topical numbing gel on the gums at the site to prepare the surface tissues. This allows the tip to glide smoothly across for gentle contact.

Computer Positioning

Your dentist next uses the software interface to set injection parameters like flow rate and total dosage. The location is selected on a digital tooth chart and the automated system positions itself at the appropriate starting angle. Precision is enhanced by the visual overlay on the computer screen.

Injection

Finally, the numbing medication delivery begins. The handpiece gently vibrates as controlled micro-streams of anesthetic flow beneath the gums. Varying the pressure and speed distributes it evenly to precisely numb only the intended area. The full dose is delivered gradually based on the pre-programmed settings for optimal patient comfort.

DEV: image alt text: dentist performs dental procedure with the aid of local anesthesia

After your dental procedure at Smiles of Chevy Chase, the effects of local anesthesia will gradually wear off. This process typically takes a few hours. During this time, you might experience:

• Numbness in the treated area
• Difficulty eating or drinking on the affected side
• Slight tingling sensations as feeling returns

We'll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to manage any discomfort and protect the treated area as the anesthesia wears off.

How long does local anesthesia last?

The duration of local anesthesia varies depending on the type used and the individual. Generally, the numbing effect lasts between two to eight hours. Your dentist will inform you about the expected duration for your specific procedure.

Are there any side effects of local anesthesia?

Most patients experience no significant side effects from local anesthesia. Some may have temporary numbness, slight swelling at the injection site, or a brief sting during administration. These effects typically resolve quickly.

How does The Wand compare to traditional dental injections?

The Wand uses vibration and pressure to deliver streams of numbness versus painful needle pokes. This allows anesthesia to flow gently to the targeted area in small customized streams. There is little to no residual numbness afterward.

Is The Wand covered by dental insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover some portion of The Wand service. Your dental team can verify your policy details during your appointment planning consultation to check on copays or deductibles that may apply. This advanced system carries a slightly higher fee but is well worth it for the comfort benefits.

Does The Wand completely replace needles?

In many cases yes, The Wand does completely replace traditional needles for anesthesia delivery. However, some more complex procedures may still require an additional and gentler needle injection which is made more comfortable after the tissue is pre-numbed by The Wand.

Can The Wand be used on children?

Yes, The Wand can be very effective for pediatric dental procedures. The gentler vibration delivery, rather than needles makes treatments much more comfortable for kids and teens. This reduces anxiety and stress levels for children getting fillings or other dental work completed.

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we're committed to providing a comfortable, pain-free dental experience. Our use of advanced local anesthesia techniques is just one way we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Let us show you how stress-free dental care can be.

While we're proud to serve the Chevy Chase community, we also welcome patients from surrounding areas. Whether you're in Bethesda, Rockville, or Silver Spring, we invite you to experience the exceptional care at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Contact us at 301-652-0656 to learn more about how we can serve you.