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Many people don’t like going to the dentist for anything other than a checkup, but you’re probably going to need dental work at some point. It may be a simple filling or a crown, bridge, or root canal, and you’ll get the work done with an anesthetic so you can’t feel anything. The worst part of the entire process, for many people, is getting the anesthetic to numb up your mouth.

Traditional anesthetic is a dreadful process for some who don’t like long needles. A newer alternative is the Wand STA. It’s a system that has a pen-like device for administering the anesthesia. This wand is connected to hardware that looks like a small computer tower.

Pain with Using the Wand STA versus Traditional Anesthetic

The pain you may feel when the dentist injects you with traditional anesthetic actually isn’t due entirely to the needle. It’s the result of the anesthesia being injected too quickly. With the Wand STA, this isn’t a problem. The system is designed to inject the anesthesia more slowly so you don’t feel the pain.

Control of the Wand STA versus Traditional Anesthetic

Dentists who use traditional anesthetic are entirely responsible for controlling the entire operation. They’re very well-trained, but there is always room for human error. You can end up with unnecessary pain if the anesthetic is administered too quickly. The Wand STA control tower connects to the pen-like wand and automatically controls the rate at which the anesthetic is administered. Because of its small size, it’s also helpful in working on places in the mouth that are harder to reach.

What are the drawbacks of the Wand STA?

It is natural to wonder why all dentists don’t use the Wand STA in their offices if it’s easier for them and more comfortable to use. So, what’s the catch? Actually, there isn’t one for patients. The only reasons not to use the Wand STA are related to drawbacks for dentists and staff, mostly from a cost and training standpoint.

Of course, Dr. James Robson and our team stop at nothing to provide our patients with the very best, regardless of the cost to us. That’s why the Wand STA is something we offer to all our patients at our East Lyme, CT office.

The average adult has 32 teeth, a combination of molars, canines, and incisors. By middle age, however, most adults are missing at least one tooth due to an injury, decay, or gum disease. Though many people choose to forgo tooth replacement, Dr. James Robson and our team at Robson Dentistry will tell you that every tooth is important. Each plays a vital role in the structure of the mouth and in relationship to the remaining teeth. Leaving the space where a tooth once stood can have serious consequences. There are many reasons why severely decayed or missing teeth should be replaced as quickly as possible.

• Speech: A missing tooth can negatively affect the way you speak, depending on its location.
• Bite changes: The loss of one or more teeth can cause the redistribution of bite pressure onto other teeth. Over time, this can cause the teeth to shift and move into the space the tooth once held.
• Gum disease: Shifting teeth can make it easier for plaque to accumulate in hard-to-reach places. This can increase the risk of gum disease, which can lead to additional tooth loss.
• Bone loss: The teeth are place-holders in the jaw. When one falls out and is not replaced, the bone that once surrounded it begins to deteriorate and wear down.
• Aesthetics: A missing tooth leaves a visible gap between the teeth and can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity.

Advancements in modern dentistry have made it easy to replace missing teeth using natural-looking and functioning prosthetics. Dental implants are permanent solutions for replacing missing teeth with the use of special rods that are anchored in the jaw bone. These implants serve as artificial tooth roots that fuse with the jaw over time. When cared for properly, most dental implants can be fitted to last a lifetime.

To learn more about dental implants, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. James Robson, please give us a call at our convenient East Lyme, CT office!

The Wand STA (single tooth anesthetic) is an anesthetic delivery system. The system eliminates the use of the traditional syringe-style injection for numbing your mouth before a dental procedure. If you’re afraid of needles, then the Wand STA system is perfect for you.

How the Wand STA Works

The Wand is a computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system. By using the the Wand STA, Dr. James Robson can numb only the tooth that needs work, not your entire mouth.

Benefits of the Wand STA

The Wand STA was created to eliminate the use of the traditional syringe style injection. It has many benefits, including:

• Minimal to no pain during the numbing process
• It eases fear and anxiety for you if you’re afraid of needles
• The majority of patients state they didn’t even notice when they were giving the local anesthetic
• In most situations your mouth, tongue, lip, and cheek will not be numb, only the tooth that is being worked on

The Wand STA – What to Expect

The Wand STA is a computer unit. Dr. James Robson will deliver the local anesthetic with a tool called the hand piece; it looks very similar to a pen. We place the pen on the gum where the injection is to be given and control the flow of the injection using the computer. What you probably do not know is that the actual pain that comes from the traditional syringe injection is caused by the rapid flow of the local anesthetic. Since we control the flow with the computer, it is slow and steady, which reduces the pain of the numbing process.

It is important to visits our East Lyme, CT office regularly to maintain good oral health. The Wand STA system is beneficial in providing a comfortable, syringe-free dental experience.

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday each September here in the United States, is a holiday devoted to the American working community. The purpose of the holiday is honoring the country's workers and their contributions to the strength of our country as a whole.

How Labor Day Started

There is actually some debate as to the origins of Labor Day. It is uncertain whether Peter McGuire, a cofounder for the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, who was the secretary of Central Labor Union of New York, had the great idea. However, the Central Labor Union's plans were what launched the first Labor Day in America.

The First Labor Day

The very first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5th, 1882. The Central Labor Union then held annual celebrations on September 5th for what they called a working man's holiday. By the year 1885, the Labor Day celebration had spread to many different industrial areas, and after that it began spreading to all industries in the United States.

Labor Day Today

Labor Day today is a huge United States holiday during which we honor the country's workers with a day of rest and relaxation or a day of picnics and parades. This holiday is truly one to honor the many people who work hard to contribute to the economic well-being of our great country!

Our team at Robson Dentistry hopes all of our patients celebrate Labor Day, and every holiday, safely and happily. Whether you stay in the East Lyme, CT area, or travel out of town, have fun, and don't forget to brush!