Inventors:
Leonard Weldon - Keene NH 03431
International Classification:
A61M 500
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a dental method and means to allow pain-free injections in mucosa by the application of a topical anesthetic followed by an injection limited to penetrate the mucosa only to the extent of penetration of the topical anesthetic. The method is accomplished by applying a topical anesthetic to the desired mucosal area, and following the topical application with an injection, which penetrates the tissues only to the extent of penetration of the topical anesthetic. Various devices of fixed length are described which limit the penetration of the injection such as a drastically truncated syringe needle, a sheath fitted to and covering the needle, a needle shield, and a speculum.