Problems with the Needle

• Fear: A survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2002 found that 27% of respondents indicated “fear of pain” as an important factor in deciding whether or not to visit a dentist. The injection of local anesthetic is recognized as the most anxiety-provoking procedure in dentistry for children and adults. Millions of people do not go to the dentist in the U.S. for fear of pain.

• Stress which can then turn into pre-existing medical conditions including: asthma, angina, seizure disorders, etc..

• Broken Needle, which can cause potential injury to dentists, dental assistants or patients. It could also lead to the spread of Blood Borne Pathogens. The OSHA Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act requires all practices to use a needle-free procedure when possible.

• Faintness: According to the article: Afraid of needles? Why some faint at the very sight , seeing a needle is enough to make the toughest of us faint.

• Hyperventilation is result of an episode of anxiety or emotional stress.