SOAN Pain-Free Injections for Children in Denver, CO
At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we are always looking for ways to make dental care more comfortable for the children we serve. One of the most anxiety-provoking parts of any dental procedure for kids is the injection used to deliver local anesthesia. SOAN pain-free injections change that experience entirely — using a gentle, computer-controlled delivery system that makes numbing as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your child.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is SOAN?
SOAN stands for Slow Onset Anesthesia Needle — a technology designed to virtually eliminate the discomfort associated with dental injections. Instead of delivering anesthetic quickly through a traditional syringe (which can cause the sharp pinch and pressure sensation that makes many children (and adults) dread shots at the dentist), SOAN uses a small, pen-shaped device that delivers the numbing solution at a slow, precisely controlled rate.
This slow, controlled delivery is the key to why SOAN feels so different. Most of the discomfort from a dental injection comes not from the needle itself, but from the anesthetic solution being pushed into the tissue too quickly, causing sudden pressure and burning. By releasing the medication gradually at a rate the tissue can comfortably accommodate, SOAN dramatically reduces or eliminates that sensation.
The SOAN device looks nothing like a traditional syringe — it is compact, non-threatening in appearance, and easy to hold near the cheek or gum without the dramatic visual of a needle that can trigger anxiety before the injection even begins.
Why SOAN Is Especially Valuable in Pediatric Dentistry
Fear of dental injections is one of the most commonly cited reasons children (and adults) avoid dental care. For children, the anticipation of a shot can create significant anxiety that interferes with the entire appointment — making it harder for both the child and the dentist to accomplish what needs to be done.
By making the numbing process itself as gentle and comfortable as possible, SOAN helps break this cycle. When your child’s experience of getting numb is calm and virtually painless, they’re less likely to develop or reinforce a fear of dental procedures — and more likely to remain cooperative and relaxed throughout the rest of the appointment.
This is particularly beneficial for procedures like fillings, tooth extractions, crown placement, and frenectomy — any treatment where local anesthesia is needed. We always apply a topical anesthetic to the gum before the SOAN injection to further reduce any sensation of pressure or discomfort.
What to Expect When Your Child Receives a SOAN Injection
Before the injection, we’ll apply a topical numbing gel to the gum surface so the area is already desensitized when the SOAN device is used. Dr. Danso or our team will then gently place the tip of the SOAN device against the gum and begin the slow, controlled delivery of anesthetic.
Most children report feeling little to nothing during the injection — some feel mild pressure, but the sharp pinch commonly associated with traditional syringes is significantly reduced or absent. Because the medication is delivered slowly, it also diffuses more evenly into the tissue, which often means a more complete and comfortable numbness during the procedure that follows.
The entire injection process takes only a minute or two. From there, we allow the anesthesia to take full effect before beginning any treatment, ensuring your child is completely comfortable before we proceed.
Part of Our Commitment to Gentle, Child-Centered Care
SOAN is just one of the ways Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry continually looks for better, gentler approaches to the care we provide. Alongside our child-friendly office environment, our patient-paced approach, and our sedation options for children who need more support, SOAN reflects our belief that every aspect of the dental experience — including the parts that are traditionally uncomfortable — can be improved for children.
Our goal is simple: we want your child to leave every appointment feeling good about their experience. When kids feel safe and comfortable at the dentist, they’re more likely to continue seeking dental care throughout their lives — and that sets them up for a lifetime of better health.
To learn more about SOAN pain-free injections or to schedule an appointment for your child in Denver, CO,, contact Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry at (303) 757-8844.
Frequently Asked Questions About SOAN Pain-Free Injections
What is SOAN and how is it different from a regular dental injection?
SOAN (Slow Onset Anesthesia Needle) is a computer-controlled injection system that delivers local anesthetic at a slow, precisely controlled rate — dramatically reducing the pressure and burning sensation that typically makes dental injections uncomfortable. Traditional syringes deliver anesthetic quickly, which causes most of the discomfort. SOAN eliminates that by letting the tissue receive the medication gradually at a pace it can comfortably accommodate.
Will my child still feel the needle with SOAN?
We always apply topical numbing gel to the gum surface before any injection to desensitize the area. With both the topical gel and the slow delivery of SOAN, most children feel little to no discomfort during the injection. Some children feel mild pressure, but the sharp pinch associated with traditional syringes is significantly reduced or eliminated.
What procedures require a dental injection?
Local anesthesia is used for any procedure where treatment involves the nerve of the tooth or surrounding tissue — including fillings, tooth extractions, crown placement, pulp therapy, and frenectomy. SOAN can be used for all of these procedures to make the numbing process as comfortable as possible.
Is SOAN safe for children?
Yes. SOAN uses the same local anesthetic medications used in traditional dental injections — it simply delivers them differently. The slow, controlled delivery method is safe and well-tolerated by children of all ages. Dr. Danso will always review your child’s health history and any known medication sensitivities before administering any anesthetic.
Does SOAN work as well as a regular injection for numbing?
Yes — and in many cases, better. Because the anesthetic is delivered slowly and evenly, it tends to diffuse more uniformly into the surrounding tissue. Many patients and practitioners report that slow-delivery systems like SOAN produce more complete and consistent numbness compared to traditional rapid injections.
Is SOAN used for all patients at your office?
We use SOAN for patients who need local anesthesia for dental procedures. If you’d like to specifically request SOAN for your child’s appointment, please let us know when scheduling and we’ll make sure it’s part of your child’s care plan.
Will SOAN help my child who is afraid of needles?
SOAN was specifically designed with needle-phobic patients in mind. The device looks nothing like a traditional syringe, and the near-painless delivery significantly reduces the anticipatory fear and actual discomfort associated with injections. For children with more significant dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options that can be combined with SOAN for the most comfortable possible experience.