Mark Fleming One of the things that helped me build a successful practice is a "painless" injection technique. I did not develop it; I learned it from my mentor, Gerry Loewe, when I first started in practice more than 30 years ago.
Most restorative procedures can be stressful for the patient. My thought process is that if we can begin the procedure surpassing the patient's expectations, we definitely have set the patient up for a positive experience. Hopefully, this will lead the patient to telling others how great the office is where they have their dentistry done.
Here is my protocol:
Swab the area that has been dried with air with a good topical anesthetic. Currently, I use Best Topical Ever. I let that sit for 30 seconds. Then I SLOWLY inject a carpule of 4% Citanest. This has a ph close to neutral, which, along with the topical, helps make this injection "painless." I use a 30-gauge needle. Then after waiting two minutes, which is timed, I give a second injection SLOWLY of 4% Septocaine 1/100,000 epi. The area has been numbed by the first injection, and after waiting another two minutes, we are ready to begin.
I have had my fair share of dental treatment. I know I always appreciate extra steps that ensure my comfort. I'm sure your patients will also.
