Fear of dental injections is one of the biggest reasons people delay treatment, yet the part most people dread is often not the needle itself.

In this episode, Eon Engelbrecht speaks with Dr Clifford Yudelman about the dental wand, a computer-controlled anaesthetic delivery system designed to make numbing far gentler, slower, and more precise.

They discuss why pressure matters more than people think, how this technology helps anxious adults and children, and why a better injection experience can completely change the way patients feel about visiting the dentist. Based on the uploaded transcript, this episode focuses on patient comfort, modern dental technology, and reducing fear through better technique. 

10 Questions with Summary Answers

1. [1:28] Is it true that the needle itself is not usually what causes the pain, but rather the pressure of the anaesthetic going in?

Yes. Dr Yudelman explains that most of the discomfort comes from how quickly the anaesthetic is pushed into the tissue, not from the needle entering. If the solution is delivered too fast, it stretches the tissue and triggers pain receptors, especially in tight areas such as the palate. 

2. [4:20] What is the wand, also known as STA, and how is it different from a normal dental syringe?

It is a computer-controlled local anaesthetic delivery device. Instead of relying on hand pressure, it delivers anaesthetic at a carefully regulated rate, which reduces the sudden pressure that often causes pain. Dr Yudelman describes it as far more consistent and less dependent on the operator’s thumb control. 

3. [7:25] Does it look less intimidating than a regular syringe?

Yes. The wand looks more like a small pen than a traditional metal syringe, which can reduce anxiety before the injection even begins. Dr Yudelman says many patients, especially children, do not even recognise it as a needle at first glance. 

4. [9:46] Can this technology numb just one tooth without making the whole lip, cheek or face feel numb?

Sometimes, yes. Dr Yudelman explains that the system can deliver single-tooth anaesthesia in certain cases, meaning only the specific tooth is numbed. He also notes, however, that this approach is not always his preference because repeated ligament injections can leave the gum sore afterwards. 

5. [12:29] Why is this especially helpful for children or very anxious patients?

Because it tackles three big triggers of dental fear at once. It looks less threatening, feels gentler during delivery, and can sometimes limit the numb sensation to a smaller area. Dr Yudelman says that making injections less traumatic can reduce lifelong dental anxiety. 

6. [13:34] Does it take longer to give an injection with the wand than with a regular syringe?

Yes, definitely. The system is designed to work slowly on purpose. Dr Yudelman says it may feel long compared with a quick manual injection, but patients generally prefer a slower, more comfortable experience over something fast and painful. 

7. [14:45] Is there any extra cost to patients when this technology is used at OptiSmile?

According to Dr Yudelman, no extra charge is added just because the wand is used. OptiSmile charges the same anaesthetic fee whether the dentist uses the wand or a standard syringe, even though the wand system and its disposable components cost the practice more. 

8. [15:38] Can the wand be used for most dental procedures, including root canals?

Yes. Dr Yudelman says it is effective for almost every procedure and is particularly helpful when teeth are difficult to numb, such as inflamed teeth needing root canal treatment or stubborn lower molars that have not gone numb with ordinary injections. 

9. [16:34] If it works so well, why do more dentists not use it?

Mainly because of cost, training, and time. Dr Yudelman says the devices are expensive, the consumables cost more than ordinary needles, and some practices prioritise speed over comfort. He also points out that a very gentle dentist can still get good results by hand, but the wand reduces operator variability. 

10. [18:54] What kind of feedback do patients usually give after having an injection with this system?

The most common response is surprise. Patients often ask when the injection is going to happen, or say they did not feel anything at all. Dr Yudelman describes that reaction as one of the best signs that the system is doing exactly what it should. 

Outro

This episode is reassuring for anyone who has been avoiding the dentist because of injection fear. The key message is simple: modern dentistry has better ways to make numbing more comfortable, and the experience depends as much on technology and technique as it does on the medicine itself. For anxious adults, nervous children, and anyone who still carries an old fear of dental needles, this conversation shows that things have moved on. If you have been putting off treatment because of injections, it may be worth asking your dentist what options they use to make the process easier. 

Further Resources

• The Numbing Dental Wand
• https://optismile.co.za/dental-technology/the-numbing-wand/
• Best direct match for this episode. It explains OptiSmile’s computer-controlled STA wand and how it can make injections more comfortable. 
• Episode 51: Overcoming Dental Fear - Why Are People Afraid of the Dentist?
• https://optismile.co.za/blog/overcoming-dental-fear-why-are-people-afraid-of-thedentist/
• Good companion episode for listeners whose main concern is anxiety about dental treatment. 
• Episode 52: Oral Sedation vs Conscious Sedation Unpacked
• https://optismile.co.za/blog/oral-sedation-vs-conscious-sedation-unpacked/
• Useful follow-up for patients who may need more than reassurance and want to understand sedation options. 
• Episode 53: How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Dental Visit
• https://optismile.co.za/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-stress-free-dental-visit/
• Relevant practical advice for nervous patients before treatment. 
• A Caring Paediatric Dentist in Cape Town
• https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/paediatric-dentist/
• Strong supporting resource for parents of children who are fearful of injections or the dentist generally. 
• Coping With Fear & Dental Anxiety In Children
• https://optismile.co.za/blog/coping-with-fear-dental-anxiety-in-children/
• Another good child-focused resource that matches the part of the episode dealing with anxious children.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.