Getting a needle induced shot of Novocaine prior to a potentially painful dental treatment now has alternative. Dr Stephen Wolpo, one of the leading Dentists in Stamford Connecticut has introduced Kovanaze Nasal Spray, a painless, needle free anesthetic alternative to his patients.
Smile Sensations, the office of Dr. Stephen H. Wolpo, DDS, is now offering its patients a new, FDA -approved topical dental anesthetic that is administered through a nasal spray, replacing traditional needle injections for many restorative procedures.
“One of the most stressful experiences for adults and children alike is fear of the needle and the numbness of the lips that can follow for several hours,” said Dr. Wolpo. “In some cases, their anxiety over receiving a shot of novocaine is so overwhelming and debilitating that it leads them to postpone dental treatments that are vital for maintaining their overall health. Intranasal drugs are already being used successfully in other medical specialties, and I am so excited to now be able to introduce this ‘no shot’ technology to my patients. At Smile Sensations, we remain committed to offering the latest advancements in dental care to help create a more calming, comfortable and positive dental experience.”
Smile Sensations, located at 60 Strawberry Hill Avenue in Stamford, was also one of the first dental offices in Fairfield County to offer “drill-free” painless laser dentistry and non-invasive Velscope screening for oral cancer.
Kovanaze Nasal Spray (tetracaine HCL and oxymetazoline HCL), developed by St. Renatus LLC, is the world’s first known local dental anesthetic administered through the nasal cavity, ending a century-old method of delivering dental anesthesia using a needle injection. It is indicated for use in adults age 18 and older and children who weigh approximately 90 pounds or more and for procedures involving most of the upper teeth. It received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval on June 29, 2016.
About Dr. Wolpo
Dr. Stephen H. Wolpo received his dental degree from New York University School of Dentistry, where he graduated from its special honors seven-year Combined Degree Program. Licensed in both New York State and Connecticut, he began his career as an associate in offices in New York City and Huntington, Connecticut, until opening his private practice in Stamford in 1990 where he provides comprehensive dental treatment for children and adults.
In March 2005, Dr. Wolpo received his Masters Certification in Cosmetic Dentistry from the acclaimed Rosenthal Institute’s Aesthetic Program. In June 2006, he completed a two-year program in Implant Surgery and Rehabilitation at New York University, and is a Fellow of the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also an Associate Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute.
Dr. Wolpo has served as a clinical instructor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and has lectured at Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital on geriatric dentistry and emergency medicine. He is a practitioner of the state-of-the-art “Teeth in an Hour” program, allowing many denture wearers to return to better oral health, nutrition and quality of life. He has served the Stamford community as the consulting dentist at the William and Sally Tandet Center and at the Edgehill retirement home, and continues of make house calls to assist infirmed patients unable to visit his office.
Among his numerous civic affiliations, Dr. Wolpo is a member of the Society for Special Care in Dentistry, the Stamford Chamber of Commerce and the Stamford Umbrella Club, dedicated to helping disabled children and their families throughout Fairfield County. He has also been a member of the Stamford Exchange Club and served as a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Turn of River Fire Department.
