Cetylite’s Topical Anesthetics Enhance Patient Care

Laser dentistry has brought patient care and comfort to a level that’s never before been attainable, says Scott D. Benjamin, DDS. “The quality of care that can be delivered with a laser can’t be replicated with any other treatment modality. It’s something that is extremely valuable.” As examples of the benefits, Benjamin points to the increase in laser-assisted hygiene procedures and advanced periodontal procedures.

Another advantage is that many procedures involving lasers can be accomplished without the use of a local anesthetic. Clinicians are able to do multiple procedures in multiple quadrants within a single appointment in a short period, using minimal amounts of topical anesthetic. This makes it more convenient and comfortable for the patient. Also, being able to perform procedures without the use of a local anesthetic helps take the “fear factor” out of dentistry.

“An anesthetic like Cetacaine®—very thin, liquid-based—flows where the dentists needs it and at the same time allows for some cooling of the surrounding and adjacent tissue. The composition of this material in particular makes it ideal for laser dentistry. Its thin viscosity, as well as the ability to dispense it through a simple Luer-lock syringe, enables it to be placed where you want, in the quantities you need at a very reasonable cost—a savings that can be passed on to the patient.

“The application and design of Cetacaine’s dispensing system, with the Luer-lock top on the bottle, means the ergonomics of using it is simple and straightforward. One of the great things about a liquid anesthetic is that you can place it into the treatment area—for example, into the periodontal pocket if you’re doing laser-assisted periodontal care.

“Because Cetacaine is so thin, you can use a microbrush in a very small area, keeping the cost of the accessory treatment down. These days, it’s becoming more expensive to use disposable syringes. Cetacaine costs less than a dollar per quadrant to treat a patient, and that includes the syringe, the microbrush, and the cannula, as well as the anesthetic.”

According to Benjamin, liquid anesthetics assist greatly in the treatment of patients. “We’re going to see huge changes over the next 5 years,” he says. “Auxiliaries are going to be able to place topical anesthetics, and that makes the advantages of using them even greater. I think we’re going to see an increased use of topical anesthetic throughout dentistry, stimulated by the expanded use of laser care and the reduced need for local anesthetic. The simpler we can make a technique, the easier it is on both the clinician and the patient.”

Cetylite Industries Inc
9051 River Road, Pennsauken, NJ 08110
800-257-7740
https://www.cetylite.com