Clinical Significance

Widespread Clinical Prevalence

Local anaesthesia is used in millions of dental procedures every year worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 300 million dental anaesthetic cartridges are administered annually. Whether for a simple filling or a complex surgical procedure, local anaesthesia plays a critical role in ensuring patient comfort and enabling successful dental treatment.

It is estimated that 30% of all dental treatments require local anaesthesia, highlighting its indispensable role in dental care.  As oral diseases remain among the most common chronic conditions globally, the demand for patient-friendly and effective anaesthesia delivery systems continues to grow.

The Clinical Gap: Why New Solutions Are Needed

Despite its widespread use, local anaesthesia is still predominantly administered using conventional needle-and-syringe injections. For many patients, the injection itself represents one of the most stressful aspects of a dental visit and is a major contributor to dental anxiety.

Studies have reported that approximately 1 in 5 patients experience fear of dental injections, while 3 in 20 patients avoid or delay dental treatment because of injection-related fear. The sight of the needle, anticipation of pain, and previous negative injection experiences are commonly cited as factors contributing to treatment avoidance and poor dental attendance.

Microneedles and Iontophoresis for Minimising Pain and Fear

These challenges highlight a significant unmet clinical need for innovative alternatives to conventional dental injections. D-IONIC addresses this need through a novel combination of conductive microneedles and iontophoresis technology, enabling effective local anaesthesia delivery while minimising pain, needle-related fear, and treatment-associated anxiety. By enhancing patient comfort and acceptance, D-IONIC has the potential to transform the dental experience and improve access to oral healthcare.