Nasal Spray may end some dental injections

A nasal spray shown to numb the upper jaw is set to be tested in a Food and Drug Administration Phase 3 trial. This will assess the spray’s effectiveness compared to the current “gold standard” of treatment which is painful anesthesia injections.

The upper jaw and the nose with its mucous membranes is supplied for the most of it by the same nerve (Maxillary nerve a branch of the 5th cranial nerve) The nasal spray formula being tested now is related to a drug used by ear, nose and throat physicians when they operate on the nose. Patients who received this anesthetic reported that their upper teeth felt numb, sparking interest in using the anesthetic for dental procedures. The spray is effective only on the upper teeth.

The Phase 3 trial will be carried out later this year at the University of Buffalo dental school and other clinical sites. If the Phase 3 trial is successful, it may mean the end of injections for any dental work performed on the upper teeth.