AN alternative to the dentist’s needle is providing more options for Canberra patients.

A new needle-free anaesthetic injection, Injex, hurts less than a needle and is being requested by patients who have a fear of needles.

Manuka dentist Dr Anthony Le, of Definitive Dental, is using Injex but says it has limitations.

“It’s another tool in the tool box, but we are not close to replacing the needle all together,” says Dr Le.

“Injex can only be used on certain parts of the mouth because we are only able to administer quite a small amount.”

He says his patients who have tried it seemed to be happy with it, but it is mainly used with simple procedures including fillings and restorations.

“It provides us with a substitute in certain situations, but unfortunately does not eliminate the need for needles,” he says.

Injex works by micro-streaming the anaesthetic through the skin, meaning it is absorbed more rapidly, and there is less damage to the skin at the point of contact.

“Actually administering Injex is less painful than a needle but there tends to be more post operative discomfort than with a needle,” he says.

Dr Le does not charge any differently for patients who have Injex.

More information at www.injex.com.au

PHOTO: Dr Anthony Le holding a regular needle and the new needle-free anaesthetic. Photo by Silas Brown.