UPenn researchers find nasal anesthetic safe, effective: 3 notes

Researchers out of the Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine recently released their research on KOVANAZE, a nasal-administered dental anesthetic that was approved by the FDA earlier this year.

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The researchers conducted a clinical trial, with grant support from St. Renatus, the product developer. In the study, 150 adults received either KOVANAZE or a placebo prior to undergoing a single dental filling in an upper bicuspid, canine or incisor.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. KOVANAZE was effective at preventing pain in 88 percent of patients. This rate is comparable to common injectable numbing agents.

2. The researchers found no serious side effects. The most common side effects included runny nose and nasal congestion.

3. Future research might investigate whether KOVANAZE can be used for more intensive dental procedures, like root canals or oral tissue biopsies.

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