Abstract: A method of treating or preventing periodontal disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject an inhibitor of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphate/phosphodiesterase-I (ENPP1). An ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphate/phosphodiesterase-I (ENPP1) inhibitor and pharmaceutical compositions for use in treatment or prevention of periodontal disease or for increasing cementum formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-anesthetizing needle system which includes preferably an opaque tubular member within which the hypodermic needle is positioned and also includes a chamber at the opposite end of the tubular member within which a sponge-like material is carried and which is saturated with a topical anesthetic such as ethyl chloride and includes a closure to provide an air-tight, water-tight seal within which the sponge-like material is contained until it is time for an injection to be given, at which point the closure member is removed and the sponge-like material is applied against the skin of a patient to whom an injection is to be administered to anesthetize the skin at the point where the injection is to be given after which the injection is then administered.