Unique scalpel-designed bevel displaces less tissue, resulting in a more comfortable injection for the patient.
Patients hate any kind of injection, but what if there was a needle that was easier to insert and caused less pain? Septodont designed their Septoject Evolution needles to do just that. Calling the needles effective, sharper, and more comfortable for the patient, Colorado dentist Dr. Jodi Lampert said she had no idea that a dental needle could make such a difference. “I have been using the same needle for all these years, and the Septoject made me aware that not all needles are the same,” she proclaimed.
Our group of Dental Product Shopper evaluators, a combination of general dentists and oral surgeons, were impressed with the distinctive qualities of the Septoject Evolution needles, which are indicated for infiltration or intraligamentary injection. Our team tested all 3 sizes of the Evolution needle—the extra-short 9 mm length (30 g) for intraligamentary injections along with the 27 g and 30 g short 25 mm length needles for infiltrations.
Sharpness and Bevel Design
With its innovative scalpel bevel design, Septoject Evolution cuts rather than tears tissue, requiring less force for needle insertion, according to Septodont. The needles were “unquestionably sharper with a smoother cutting action,” Dr. Mark Docktor said when comparing the Evolution to his other needles. “The sharpness and bevel design make insertion into the soft tissue very smooth and effortless,” he added.
After viewing the bevel under magnification and comparing it to another needle, Dr. Lance Huthwaite concluded that Septoject Evolution was “much sharper and more well defined.” Dr. Janet Williams noted that the Evolution has a smaller lumen and an additional bevel at the tip, and said there was less resistance upon insertion. Calling the needles “super sharp,” Dr. Joel Gentry was pleased to fi nd a needle that maintains sharpness with multiple injection sites. Reporting smooth penetration after 4 or more entries, Dr. Gentry had “no hesitation in using the same needle tip for multiple injection sites on a patient.”
Ease of Insertion and Patient Comfort
Engineered for smoother penetration with less tissue displacement, Septoject Evolution requires less force to insert and reduces deflection. Many dentists were impressed with the ease of insertion, with comments that tissue penetration is easier in tough tissue, it is very easy to insert into tissue without discomfort, and injections appeared to be smoother, with less resistance. Dr. Williams liked what she described as the relatively thinner diameter of the bevel, adding that it improved the ease of insertion.
Because less tissue is displaced upon insertion, an injection with this needle is more comfortable for patients. Dentists are “always looking for a better way to give an injection, and a great injection can make the rest of the appointment a breeze,” noted Dr. Kim Gandhi. With Septoject Evolution, Dr. Gandhi said the injection seems to be much less uncomfortable. “Overall, [the] injection experience was better, so patients had a more relaxing visit and less stress for follow up visits,” Dr. Ghandi added.
Dr. Williams called the Evolution needles a great improvement on patient comfort and added, “Even palatal injections were noticeably better tolerated.” With little or no post-injection site pain, Dr. Williams said her patients are calmer on return visits. “Patients appreciate the nearly painless injection technique because of the design of the needle,” noted Dr. Docktor, “[and] the stress to me as the provider is less, knowing the impact on the patient is less traumatic.”
Ease of Use and Design
Designed with a pre-threaded plastic hub for easier threading, Septoject Evolution needles are constructed of high-grade surgical stainless steel tubing to reduce the risk of breakage. Describing the needles as very well constructed, Dr. Huthwaite said, “The hub was very secure on the syringe,” while Dr. Gentry recommended a tighter fit to the cap.
Indicators on the bevel help orient the needle for different injections. Robert Kirchmann, DDS, decided that the marking on the hub for bevel orientation was his favorite feature, but suggested improving the fit of the hub to dental syringes from various manufacturers. Some dentists, especially the oral surgeons, mentioned they would like to see a longer Evolution needle, while others were satisfied with the shorter needles. Dr. Lampert said the short needles were more effective with children because she could hide the “stick” part of the injection.
Overall Satisfaction
Dr. Lampert said the Evolution needles are far superior to her current needles, and she would recommend them to colleagues and purchase them in the future. “[They are] a nice improvement to the time-honored needles,” Dr. Docktor summarized. “I am really pleased with these needles and will continue to use them exclusively.”
