Oral Surgery Flashcards
What is the most important aspect of why LA is important in Oral Surgery?
pain and anxiety management
What are the main reasons LA is important in Oral Surgery?
pain and anxiety management and haemorrhage control
What is the most invasive part of dentistry?
oral surgery and tooth extractions
How can we minimise pain during LA?
topical, taught mucosa, sharp needle, slow injection, needle not against bone
How can using topical minimise pain during LA?
numbs the surface of the mucosa so no pain is felt when the needle penetrates the mucosa
How can having taught mucosa minimise pain during LA?
the tension helps to reduce the feeling of the needle penetrating mucosa
How can a sharp needle minimise pain during LA?
easier for the needle to penetrate the mucosa
How can injecting slowly minimise pain during LA?
reduces the pressure of the liquid under the mucosa
How can having the needle not against bone increase pain during LA?
if the needle is too close to the bone, you could inject under the periosteum which is very painful
How does LA help to manage the anxiety of patients?
by removing the source of pain
How can we minimise anxiety in LA?
assess the patient, listen to patient’s past experiences, set patient expectations clearly, use distraction techniques, relax yourself
Which are the two most common LA’s used in Oral Surgery?
Lidocaine and Articaine
Which part of LA helps to reduce haemorrhage?
adrenaline
How does adrenaline help reduce haemorrhage?
it is a vasoconstrictor
How long does it usually take for haemostasis to occur?
4-10mins
How long does Lidocaine last for?
2-3 hours
How long does Articaine last for?
1-2 hours
Where are the blood vessels positioned that bleed after tooth extraction?
the vessels in the apex of the tooth, the vessels in the periosteum, the blood vessels in the soft tissues
What are you looking for in the visual examination of your patient?
their general appearance and how that may impact their treatment
What are you looking for in the extra-oral examination of your patient?
temperature, vital signs, swellings, lymph node involvement, limited mouth opening
What are you looking for in the intra-oral examination of your patient?
the site of the surgery, if there is any swelling around the site, any bleeding in the mouth, any pus, a bad smell in the mouth, any food packing
What is the most common complication of oral surgery?
dry socket
What is dry socket?
When a blood clot fails to form in the socket or the blood clot becomes dislodged leaving the exposed socket open to bacterial infection
What are the symptoms of dry socket?
inflammation of the alveolar bone, unpleasant smell/taste, dull throbbing ache that is not relieved by painkillers
What percentage of routine extractions may result in dry socket?
20%
What percentage of surgical third molar extractions may result in dry socket?
30%
Does dry socket happen immediately post extraction?
no, usually 2-3 days after
What are some factors that may increase your risk of developing dry socket post extraction?
smoking, oral contraceptives, local infection, immune suppression, previous radiotherapy
Why is it not routine to use a chlorhexidine rinse before and after tooth extraction?
there have been cases of chlorhexidine associated anaphylaxsis and death in the dental chair
What could be the extra-oral examination of someone with dry socket?
normal temperature, no swelling, no limited mouth opening
What could be the intra-oral examination of someone with dry socket?
bad smell, food packing, red and tender around the socket
What could be a differential diagnosis for dry socket?
retained root
How do you manage dry socket?
irrigation of socket with 0.9% saline using monoject syringe, place dressing, smoking cessation and OHI, prescribe appropriate painkillers
What is the usual dressing placed to treat dry socket?
alveogyl
What are some appropriate painkillers for management of dry socket?
paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine
How long do you prescribe codeine for and what dosage is prescribed?
5 days, 30mg
Why is alveogyl the favoured dressing for dry socket?
it is resorbable
What is alveogyl derived from?
eugenol
Aside from dry socket, what is another common complication from oral surgery?
socket infection
What are symptoms of a socket infection?
pain localised to socket site, fluctuant swelling of the area, bad taste, bad smell, fever, malaise
How does a socket infection occur?
bacteria colonise the socket site
What is the first thing you should check in a patient if they present with a socket infection?
determine if the airway is compromised
How can you tell if an airway is compromised?
significant swelling, patient unable to swallow own saliva, patient unable to push tongue forward
How do you manage the patient if the airway is compromised due to socket infection?
send patient to emergency care immediately
How do you manage the patient with a socket infection if the airway is not compromised?
recommend optimal painkillers, drain pus using number 15 scalpel
When might you prescribe antibiotics for an infected socket?
if there is a spreading infection, systemic signs, immunocompromised patient
What is the first line antibiotic for socket infections?
amoxicillin 500mg 3 times a day for 5 days
What is the second line antibiotic for socket infections? if the patient has a true penicilin allergy?
clinadmycin 150mg 4 times a day
What is a primary hemorrhage?
bleeding at the time of surgery - continuous fresh blood from the extraction site
What level of bleeding is normal after an extraction?
blood stained saliva for the first 12-24 hours