Robert Gregg suggested using the Erbium to “pre-anesthetize” the palate prior to giving a greater palatine injection with “caine” anesthetic:

This morning we were prepping a bridge from #1 to #6 and extracting #3. Got my preps and buildups all done and got ready to anesthetize palate for the extraction. I’m thinking, hmm, this is a good case to try using the Erbium to “numb” the palate like Bob Gregg had suggested in an earlier post. Then I’m also thinking this isn’t such a good idea since my office manager had said “Doctor Williams, you know he(patient) has spent &#3610000 in your office this year?”.

Used a G6 tip with Waterlase at 4W setting and 10mm distance(high energy defocused Colonna technique). Lasered the area for 30 seconds(timed) and got in a few white “dings” on the tissue indicating when I got too close(made for nice “bull’s-eye”, he he). Injected 0.25 carpule of Septocaine and watched patient’s eyes and body language. Eyes did not change and he didn’t even flinch. Asked patient if that bothered him and he said “Not at all”.

Although only first attempt, the idea did seem to work. Could have just been a “tough” patient. On the other hand, perhaps the Erbium can temporarily disrupt or “anesthetize” palatal tissue and nerves.

Time will tell.

Al