1/23/07

Two studies being conducted at University of Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine are testing no-needle anesthesia for dental use.

In one study, funded by a $100,000 grant by Apollonia LLC, researchers in the school’s Center for Dental Studies are testing a nasal spray that numbs the upper teeth.

“If this study is successful, it may mean the end of dental injections when dentists are performing procedures on the upper arch,” says Sebastian Ciancio, DDS, principal investigator of the study.

The second study, which is set to begin in the coming months, will test the use of ozone to kill bacteria in a decayed tooth and its potential to eliminate the need for the dreaded drill, at least to repair simple cavities.

The research is funded by a $1.5 million grant from Curozone Inc and Kavo Dental Manufacturing Co.

According to the researchers, if the studies are successful, the no-needle anesthesia should be available in 2 years.

[ScienceDaily, January 23, 2007]