Review of Orlicaine in Dental Practice by Dr. Michael Perpich, DDS
August, 2024 - As a seasoned dentist, I've seen and tried countless products designed to enhance patient comfort during dental procedures. However, the results I've observed with Orlicaine, a topical anesthetic, have truly set it apart. Over the past couple of days, I've had the opportunity to witness its effectiveness firsthand in various scenarios, and I’m thoroughly impressed.
Patient Comfort and Effectiveness: In the last two days alone, two different hygienists in my practice used Orlicaine liquid for scaling and root planing (SRP). Both experiences were remarkably similar—no pain, no bad taste, and complete comfort for the patients. What stood out to me was that neither patient even considered asking for an injection. This level of comfort is rare with topical anesthetics, which makes Orlicaine a game-changer in SRP procedures.
Feedback from Staff: The positive feedback hasn’t just come from the patients. My hygienists have expressed enthusiasm about Orlicaine as well. One of them mentioned that using the liquid Orlicaine for SRP was "amazing," emphasizing how it made the procedure much easier for both the patient and the practitioner. This enthusiasm extends beyond the hygienists. Today, I worked with a new dental assistant who, when I mentioned using Orlicaine, exclaimed, "I love this stuff; it really works!" This kind of feedback from a team member, who is still relatively new to our practice, speaks volumes about Orlicaine’s ease of use and efficacy.
Pediatric Use: One of the most striking experiences was with an 8-year-old patient, where I performed occlusal fillings on J and T without using a needle. The child, who admitted to usually being anxious at the dentist, was unusually calm and cooperative throughout the procedure. The reason? No needle was needed, thanks to Orlicaine. This experience underscores the potential of Orlicaine in pediatric dentistry, where needle phobia can often be a significant barrier to treatment.
Conclusion: Given these consistent positive outcomes, it's clear that Orlicaine is an exceptional product that significantly improves patient comfort without compromising the effectiveness of the procedure. We are seriously considering making Orlicaine a staple in our practice for procedures like SRP and minor fillings, especially for patients who are needle-averse. The ease of use, positive patient feedback, and enthusiastic responses from my staff make it an invaluable addition to any dental practice focused on enhancing patient care.
