Injex Anaesthetic System

This month, highlights the INJEX Anesthetic System for Needle-Free local Anesthesia
Over the many years I have spent in general dental practice, I have Personally seen and used a variety of methods to obtain local anesthesia for my patients. There are differing needles and methods of delivery. Although the intra-ligamentary technique is sensitive (i.e. requires learning) it certainly can offer the prospect of a painless procedure for the patient.
A common alternative is to administer a topical paste in the region to be injected, in the hope that the entry of the needle will be comfortable. There are now some good strong topical products that work well, and I use them.
There are, however, some patients that will just not tolerate needles. For Those Patient I have been using the INJEX Needle- Free System.

Injex in use

The INJEX device is a re-usable ‘gun’ that projects local anesthetic agent directly through the mucosa, to achieve a reliable and satisfactory local anesthesia to the teeth in the area.
Originally made for diabetic injections, the INJEX is a simple and efficient way to numb one or more teeth for up to 30 minutes.
The ‘injector’ is spring loaded and must be prepared in advance for each patient.
I have taught my nurse to do this, which takes her about 1-2 minutes, and is a simple procedure.
Any anesthetic liquid can be used, preferably with the normal amount of vasoconstrictor. The method of application is important and needs to be learnt by watching the short instruction video.
The Injector is placed in the same position and angle as the traditional needle into the buccogingival sulcus, at the point of the sulcus that is as close as possible to the held with medium pressure and at 90 degrees to the point of injection (nb. not at 90 degrees to the teeth).

Method OF USE

Open the sterile Disposable packaging and remove one SiliTop. Push the ampoule tip completely into the SiliTop. Now withdraw the injector with the SiliTop attached to the ampoule tip, out of the package
Place a sterile, disposable bag over the body of the injector if required
Push the Green safety ring forward into the ‘safe off’ position. Now the second safety mechanism is deactivated and the injector is ready for use. Always inform your patients of the trigger sound before injecting
The injector can be used on all teeth in the same position and angle as with a traditional needle
Hold the injector between thumb and index finger to the injection site with medium pressure. Activate and continue to hold in position for two seconds to allow the anesthetic to be fully absorbed
Unscrew the ampoule from the injector. The used SiliTop are disposable as normal domestic waste. Push the green safety ring back into the ‘safe’ position

PATIENT FEEDBACK

Patients who have received INJEX ‘injections’ seem to feel no pain from the delivery, and only comment on the ‘pop’ sound from the device as it is released. The level of numbness is quite satisfactory, and the length of anesthesia will depend upon the choice of anesthetic. 30 minutes with normal lignocaine would be expected.
I have had no adverse reactions from the INJEX treatments I have provided, and have decided to keep the equipment and incorporate it into my working practice, in Addition to the other local systems that I keep ‘at the ready’.
I would encourage any dentist who is focused upon giving the patient the prospect of painless anesthesia to think about having an INJEX in addition to existing methods.