Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is a traditional East Asian medicine tool that has been used for at least 5,000 years. It is the insertion of needles into strategic points on the body in order to bring about beneficial change for either a specific issue or overall wellness. The points have been known for millennia. Their functions and indications became understood through empirical practice and observation. There are different types of acupuncture needles used depending on what is needed for treatment. For the dentistry class we will use Pyonex press tack needles. These small, thin and short needles are inserted into specific points on the body to encourage certain goals of treatment by stimulating the flow of the body’s resources and thereby encouraging healing.

Acupuncture is safe when the needles are applied properly. It has few side effects but rarely, small bruises may occur that will not interfere with the efficacy of treatment. Very rarely someone might be sensitive to the medical tape or the hypoallergenic surgical stainless steel of the needle.

Usually, I’ll tell my patients that the shorter answer is to the question of what doesn’t acupuncture treat. Acupuncture is a stand-alone type of medicine but it works very well adjunctively with other medicines. There is research reporting acupuncture efficacy for pain management, stress relief, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues and certain chronic conditions. For our purposes, acupuncture can be used to help treat various oral issues. Check out the PubMed research papers in the section called Supportive Research and Related Articles.

No one has ever run out of my practice or jumped off a table because the needles hurt too much. Most people report feeling a sensation during insertion but then the sensation resolves very quickly. Mostly, it’s about managing expectations before the needles are inserted. Help the patient be able to anticipate what they’re likely about to experience and you’ve already taken care of 95% of their concern.

Side effects are rare but some patients may experience mild bruising, soreness or or fatigue after being needled. These effects are usually mild and short-lived. These protocols being taught in the dental class and the suggested needles should not lead to these side effects.

Of course! That’s the basis of this class.

Acupuncture has been shown to influence neurotransmitter release including releasing endorphins which act to alleviate pain and improve mood. Acupuncture can improve circulation. It enhances blood flow to an insertion area promoting healing by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the area while simultaneously removing waste products. It has also been shown to hasten lymph movement. Acupuncture is thought to modulate pain pathways of the central nervous system to alternate the perception of pain and reducing discomfort. Lastly, acupuncture may impact the endocrine system by helping to regulate hormones that play a role in the stress response.