PRODUCT:
Cyclone/Cyclone DS

SOURCE:
Steven’s Pharmacy
Costa Mesa, Calif.
800-352-3784
stevensrx.com

About 10 years ago, there was a product named Dyclone, which was a topical anesthetic in liquid form that patients could swish with for one minute to anesthetize gingival and palatal tissues. It was fantastic for hygiene patients who need some anesthesia, but didn’t want local infiltrations or blocks. It also worked well for needle-phobic hygiene patients, and for patients who gag during impressions.

Steven’s Pharmacy’s replacement product is called Cyclone and it is available in a double-strength solution called Cyclone DS that is a 1% solution. Unlike the original Dyclone, which had an unpleasant taste, Cyclone is available in mint and several other flavors, which makes it palatable for more patients.

We use Cyclone on anyone who is worried about having impressions taken, whether it is for Invisalign™ or bleaching trays or even just study models. We use it on full arch crown and bridge impressions when we are worried about the patient gagging. We will even use it prior to taking digital X-rays on patients who are worried about gagging.

On the hygiene side, we use it for periodontal probing on patients with inflammation as well as for gross debridement patients who are sensitive. We see a lot of patients who are overdue for hygiene but do not need scaling and root planing. Since we typically only use local anesthetic for our root planing patients, Cyclone helps fill the gap by being an easy-to-use topical that provides peace of mind for the patients.

The bottom line is that we offer Cyclone to almost anyone having something done who is not getting local anesthesia. We do not charge for this service, although there are dentists who have told me they charge a small fee for it (typically $5.00) and that patients are happy to pay it.