Some patients suffer from dental fears that keep them from seeing the dentist for both routine and complex treatments. For many, these fears stem from pain and needles. Unfortunately, traditional dental anesthesia uses large needles and causes some discomfort for patients. Thanks to advancements in technology, there’s a smaller, more pleasant solution. Sarah E. Frye, DDS, PA, offers single-tooth anesthesia (STA) at her Lexington, NC, dental practice to keep patients comfortable throughout every procedure. Here, she discusses what you should know about this treatment.

What Is Single-Tooth Anesthesia?

The STA system uses a pen-like wand attached by a cord to a digital machine. The tip of the wand has a tiny, discreet needle that is nearly invisible to the naked eye, unlike the traditionally long needles used in other methods. The wand allows your dentist to inject just one tooth with anesthesia and then control the levels of anesthesia administered throughout the appointment to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Why Does Dr. Frye Offer STA?

Where traditional anesthesia methods cause pain before any dental work begins, STA is quick, painless, and provides numbing and pain relief almost immediately. Because it’s so precise, it ensures only the damaged tooth is numbed, rather than large sections of your mouth. As a result, there’s no numbness in your cheeks, lips, or tongue. You can get back to school or work immediately following your appointment without worrying about how you’ll look or whether you’ll be able to eat or drink at lunch.

STA provides a more comfortable and enjoyable patient experience, and that should be the primary goal of any dentist. Sarah E. Frye, DDS, PA, makes the comfort of her patients her top priority, which is why she uses STA for procedures like fillings, dental crowns, and root canals. For patients with dental fears that extend beyond pain and needles, she also offers nitrous oxide sedation dentistry, which provides feelings of calm and relaxation. Visit Dr. Frye’s website to learn more, or call (336) 248-5057 to schedule an appointment.