Basic Surgical Technique

Question 1

what are basic principles of a surgical

Answer 1

risk assessment
aseptic technique
minimal trauma to hard and soft tissues

Question 2

what are the stages of surgery

Answer 2

anaesthesia
access
bone removal
tooth division
debridement
suture
achieve haemostasis
post op instructions
post op medication

Question 3

what is key to remember in surgical access

Answer 3

maximal access with minimal trauma

Question 4

how do you make a surgical access

Answer 4

wide based incision
scalpel in one continuous stroke
no sharp angles
adequate sized flap
reflect flap down to bone
keep tissue moist
dont close wounds under tension

Question 5

what is used to make soft tissue retraction

Answer 5

howarth’s periosteal elevator

Question 6

what is used for bone removal

Answer 6

electrical straight handpiece with saline cooled bur

Question 7

why are air driven handpieces not used for surgical access

Answer 7

can lead to emphysema

Question 8

what burs are used for bone removal

Answer 8

round or fissure tungsten carbide burs

Question 9

what are the 2 types of flap

Answer 9

2 sided
3 sided

Question 10

what are the principles of use of elevators

Answer 10

avoid excessive force
support instrument to avoid injury to patient
ensure force applied away from major structures
use under direct vision
dont use adjacent tooth as fulcrum

Question 11

what are the uses of elevators

Answer 11

provide point of application for forceps
loosen teeth prior to using forceps
extract a tooth without use of forceps
removal of multiple root stumps
removal of retained roots
removal of root apices

Question 12

what are the 3 basic actions of elevators

Answer 12

wheel and axle
wedge
lever

Question 13

what do you use to physically debride bony edges

Answer 13

bone file or handpiece

Question 14

what do you use to physically debride soft tissue

Answer 14

mitchells trimmer or victoria curette

Question 15

what do you use for irrigation

Answer 15

sterile saline

Question 16

what are the aims of suturing

Answer 16

reposition tissues
cover bone
prevent wound breakdown
achieve haemostasis
encourage healing by primary intention

Question 17

what are the 4 categories of sutures

Answer 17

absorbable
non-absorbable
polyfilament
monofilament

Question 18

when are non-absorbable sutures used

Answer 18

if extended retention period required
closure of OAF or exposure of canine tooth

Question 19

what are the disadvantages of polyfilament sutures

Answer 19

oral fluids and bacteria pass along suture and result in infection

Question 20

when are absorbable sutures used

Answer 20

when removal of suture is not possible/desired

Question 20

when are absorbable sutures used

Answer 20

when removal of suture is not possible/desired

Question 21

how are absorbable sutures dissolved

Answer 21

vicryl breakdown via absorption of water into filaments causes polymer to degrade

Question 22

what are the advantages of monofilament sutures

Answer 22

can pass easily through tissue
resistant to bacterial colonisation

Question 23

what type of suture needle is used

Answer 23

triangular

Question 24

how do you achieve haemostasis peri-operatively

Answer 24

LA with vasoconstrictor
artery forceps
diathermy
bone wax

Question 25

how do you achieve haemostasis post-operatively

Answer 25

pressure
LA infiltration
diathermy
WHVP
surgicel
sutures

Question 26

what nerves can be damaged with surgical removal or lower third molars

Answer 26

lingual
inferior alveolar
mylohyoid
buccal

Question 27

what are the complications of lower third molar removal

Answer 27

pain
swelling
bruising
trismus
paraesthesia/anaesthesia to lip/tongue