From Complicated to Convenient Buffering

About 5 years ago, I started using a buffering system so my patients would have a more comfortable experience with local anesthesia. The concept of buffering made sense clinically, but there were just too many steps involved. After 2 years, I gave it up. It was too complicated to integrate consistently into my workflow, and I figured there had to be a better way.

Earlier this year, I was introduced to BufferPro, Septodont’s 8.4% sodium bicarbonate buffer solution, as part of a Dental Product Shopper review. It turned out to be exactly what I had been looking for: a 1-step system that’s fast, simple, and safe.

Preloaded in a sterile, single-use capsule with no measuring or mixing, BufferPro made it easy for me to return to buffering local anesthetic. I now use it with every patient who needs anesthesia. The instructions are straightforward and it’s easy to learn, which makes it practical for any dental team to adopt. The setup is so quick and intuitive that I prepare the anesthetic myself.

Better Patient Experience

When I tell my patients how I buffer the anesthetic to make injections more comfortable, I can see them relax before I even begin the injection. I’ve also noticed that my patients typically numb up about 50% faster with buffering than they do with non-buffered anesthetic, and they seem far more at ease during treatment.

For example, I have a patient who is a cardiologist. He really dislikes the experience of local injections, saying they make him feel sweaty, nervous, and faint. Recently, when I used BufferPro for a couple of fillings, he immediately noticed a difference. He asked what I had done differently because he felt calm throughout. In fact, using BufferPro has given this patient a positive outlook about having future dental work requiring local anesthetic.

Building Patient Trust

I’d recommend BufferPro because, as dentists, we’re always looking for ways to improve patient comfort and efficiency. I would even venture to say that BufferPro has improved my practice as a whole. Many of my patients are not as nervous about moving ahead with treatment because they have now had a better experience with buffered local anesthetic. Anything we can do to improve their experience builds rapport and trust, and that’s a win for everyone.