Nasal spray to rid you of painful dental jabs

Scientists develop a nasal spray, "Kovacaine Mist", that could do away with painful anaesthetic injections for dental procedures. Having passed phase two clinical trials in the US, the final product approval in the US could be achieved by next year, according to its manufacturer, US-based St Renatus LLC.

Good news for those who dread a visit to the dentist! Scientists have developed a nasal spray that could do away with painful anaesthetic injections for dental procedures.

The spray, "Kovacaine Mist", was as effective as standard anaesthetics in four out of five patients, according to researchers at the University of Buffalo in the US. It has passed phase two clinical trials in the US, reports said.

Safety trials with the US Food and Drugs Administration could be complete by the end of the summer and final product approval in the US could be achieved by next year, according to the manufacturer, St Renatus LLC.

"Patients anxious of the dentist are, in theory, likely to have poorer oral health than those who get regular check-ups," said Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation said.

"This nasal spray could be a very promising addition to any dental practice," Carter said.