Dental visits often evoke fear and anxiety, largely due to the dreaded needle and potential pain associated with procedures. But what if there was a way to experience pain-free and needle-free dentistry?
Griffith University in Australia is currently trialing a revolutionary device called the Nuralyte that may offer pain and needle free dentistry the future. The reseaschers are developing a technology utilizing light to temporarily block nerve conduction in the teeth and jaw, mimicking the numbing effect of a traditional injection. One burst of light from the Nuralyte may provide 15 to 20 minutes of pain relief. Unlike X-rays, the energy in this light source does not alter DNA.
Developed by tech start-up Dentroid, the Nuralyte holds immense potential to transform the dental industry. For individuals with dental anxiety or those who experience difficulty achieving complete numbness from injections, this device could significantly improve their dental experience. Additionally, the Nuralyte’s portability opens doors for mobile dentistry clinics, offering crucial care to people in remote and underserved areas.
Professor Roy George, supervising the trials at Griffith University, highlights the significant impact the Nuralyte could have: “The patent-pending technology could help ease dental anxiety particularly among children and facilitate mobile dentistry to access rural and remote populations.” Unlike local anesthetic, numbing an area via light blocks sensation doesn’t make the tissue get thick and tingly as many patients know all too well.
The trials, are currently evaluating the effectiveness of the device on cells. The Nuralyte represents a significant step towards a more accessible and comfortable dental experience for all. By eliminating the pain and anxiety associated with needles, this technology has the potential to revolutionize oral healthcare in the future.
Source
- Tooth be told, pain-free and needle-free dentistry trial underway. https://news.griffith.edu.au/2024/01/12/tooth-be-told-pain-free-and-needle-free-dentistry-trial-underway/ Accessed Feb. 19, 2024.