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BRETT E. GILBERT, DDS Dr. Brett E. Gilbert graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 2001 and completed his postgraduate training in endodontics there in 2003. He is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Illinois-Chicago, College of Dentistry and on staff at Amita Health Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Gilbert is board certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. He is the founder of Access Endo, a global online education platform devoted to endodontics and personal development. Dr. Gilbert lectures nationally and internationally and has a private endodontics practice in Niles, IL. |
A Win-Win for Both Sides of the Dental Chair
CALAJECT, a computer-assisted local anesthetic system, enables consistent flow rate and pain-free injections for patients, while providing ergonomic improvements for dentists
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Gentle anesthesia is a bit of an oxymoron, as anyone who has ever received an injection knows well. Many times, the very thing designed to
But that’s the past, and here’s the present. After acquiring Denmark-based Ronvig Dental Manufacturing, Directa Dental now offers CALAJECT, a computer-assisted system that controls the flow rate of anesthetic, resulting in less discomfort for patients and a relaxed, comfortable working position for dentists.
“Over the years, I’ve developed shoulder pain because my body’s in an awkward position for a minute or so while giving the injection,” explained Dr. Brett Gilbert of Chicago, IL. “Plus, the human thumb is very erratic, and we tend to push the solution too fast, which adds to patient discomfort.” Using CALAJECT is truly a “win-win” situation for patients and dentists, according to Dr. Gilbert, because the procedure is easier on both sides of the chair.
Zero Pain Points“You’re taking away two major pain points, one for the doctor and one for the patient, so everybody wins,” Dr. Gilbert continued. “It’s really effortless, and while there are no pain points for doctors, it’s truly beyond comfortable for patients. I always have patients asking me, ‘Does that have a needle attached to it?’ because they don’t feel the needle.” The system uses a touch screen with a display for injection speed and pressure. An acoustic signal indicates actual fl ow rate, and operation is controlled by a separate foot controller included in the package. The well-balanced handpiece is vibration-free and can be used with standard dental needles and cartridges.
Consistent Flow RateCALAJECT delivers a smooth, gentle fl ow of anesthetic using a light pen grip. Program settings provide intraligamental and palatal injections, infi ltrations, and regional nerve blocks, all by pressing a foot pedal.
Since CALAJECT controls the fl ow rate, tissue accepts the solution at a consistent rate, resulting in maximum patient comfort. The light pen grip allows for good fi nger support, so the needle is perfectly still in situ.
Definite Practice Builder“Not every dentist does every dental procedure, but certainly every dentist gives anesthesia and we do it all day long,” Dr. Gilbert said. CALAJECT has changed his feelings about anesthetic administration and he now views it as a practice builder. “It’s defi nitely a practice builder because I can tell patients about this new technology I have that will mean less painful injections. That’s ultimately one of the greatest fears that patients have—and we’re taking that away while also increasing doctors’ comfort.”
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lessen pain can be quite painful all by itself. While the accompanying stinging and needle sensation is unpleasant for patients, some dentists develop acute shoulder pain from years of elevating arms and elbows in an effort to make injections less painful.