SOAN® Anesthesia Delivery System

What Is SOAN?

SOAN® (Say No to Anxiety and Traditional Injections) is an advanced local anesthetic delivery system designed to make dental numbing injections more comfortable for children.

While local anesthetic is still administered using a needle, the technology delivers the anesthetic in a controlled and gentle manner that can significantly reduce the discomfort often associated with traditional injections.

Many children report greater comfort during the numbing process compared to conventional dental anesthesia techniques.

Ideal Candidates

SOAN may be an excellent option for:

  • Children who are nervous about dental injections

  • Patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety

  • Children receiving fillings, crowns, or other restorative procedures

  • Patients who have had uncomfortable experiences with traditional injections in the past

  • Families seeking a more comfortable dental experience

When SOAN May Not Be Appropriate

SOAN is a method of delivering local anesthesia, not a replacement for sedation or general anesthesia.

Children may require additional support beyond local anesthesia if they:

  • Have severe dental anxiety

  • Are very young and unable to cooperate

  • Have special healthcare needs that make treatment difficult while awake

  • Require extensive dental treatment

  • Need multiple complex procedures

In these situations, nitrous oxide, sedation, or general anesthesia may be recommended.

Advantages

  • More comfortable anesthetic delivery

  • Reduced anxiety associated with numbing injections

  • Slow, controlled administration of local anesthetic

  • Improved patient experience

  • Allows many children to complete treatment comfortably while awake

  • May reduce fear of future dental visits

  • Numbs tooth and gums, not the lip, tongue, or cheek

  • Minimal risk of child biting numbed lip or cheek that can occur with traditional injections

  • Anesthesia wear off quicker after the dental appointment

Considerations

  • A needle is still used to administer the anesthetic

  • Children will still experience numbness after treatment

  • Not a substitute for sedation in highly anxious or uncooperative patients

  • Effectiveness depends on the specific procedure being performed

SOAN vs. Traditional Local Anesthesia

SOAN®

✅ Uses advanced technology to deliver anesthetic more comfortably

✅ Controlled flow can reduce discomfort during administration

✅ Often preferred by children who are nervous about injections

✅ Helps create a more positive dental experience

‍ ‍Traditional Local Anesthesia

✅ Effective for all types of dental procedures

✅ Widely used and proven

✅ May be delivered more quickly

✅ Appropriate for routine and complex treatments alike

Is SOAN Offered at Our Office?

Yes! Our pediatric dental specialists use SOAN technology to make the numbing process as comfortable as possible.

For many children, SOAN helps reduce anxiety and improve the overall dental experience while still providing the reliable anesthesia needed for successful treatment.