The Effect of Sonophoresis on Topical Anesthesia: A Pilot Project
The dental anesthesia sonophoresis device (DASD) is a novel device that is intended to reduce the discomfort associated with intraoral mucosa needle puncture. The DASD produces ultrasonic energy that provides a sonophoretic effect on the oral mucosa, generating microchannels through the lipids between the keratinized cells that make up the stratum corneum. Once the topical anesthetic has permeated the stratum corneum, it quickly diffuses through the soft tissue, desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing the perception of pain caused by needle penetration. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether topical anesthesia applied using the DASD will reduce the discomfort of the needle puncture when compared to the control device. A split-mouth model, using 50 healthy subjects with puncture site at the maxillary canine vestibule, was used for this study. Subjects received a needle puncture on both sides of the mouth. Prior to the needle puncture, there was randomized application of 5% lidocaine with the DASD and a control device. Subjects rated their discomfort after needle punctures utilizing the visual analog scale pain scoring system. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain perception using the DASD versus the control device.Abstract

Picture demonstrating 0.3 mL of 5% lidocaine applied to the control device using a TB syringe.

A 27-gauge needle with a rubber endodontic stopper measured at 3 mm.

Statistical summary showing results according to Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Scatterplot showing the differences in perceived pain. Values are expressed as millimeters on the visual analog scoring system (0–100 mm). ⋄ represents pain scores with the dental anesthesia sonophoresis device, and • represents pain scores with the control device.

Schematic drawing of the head of the dental anesthesia sonophoresis device as it is now.

Schematic drawing of the proposed dental anesthesia sonophoresis device head with a silicon cup to hold anesthetic.
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