Step-by-Step Dental 1 and 2

Question 1

How should a patient be positioned for a dental procedure?

Answer 1

Aim to allow fluids to drain away, either over a tub table and/or with a draining mat/tray under head to the dont get too wet. Try to position with the head a little downhill to reduce fluid accumulation at the back of their throat.

Question 2

List the 5 steps of a full oral exam

Answer 2

Check occlusion before intubation
Check oropharynx/tonsils/epiglottis/fauces at intubation
Probe and chart
Dental radiography
(+/- biopsies if needed)

Question 3

What are the five steps of the scale and polish

Answer 3

Lavage
Crack off the large chunks
Ultrasonic scaling
Hand scaling
Polishing

Question 4

What is the point of lavaging the teeth before scaling?

Answer 4

Prevents the transient bacteraemic, bacteria aerosolisation and contamination of the environment.

Question 5

What is the main risk of ultrasonic scaling?

Answer 5

Thermal damage

Question 6

Define closed extraction

Answer 6

An extraction without incising the gingiva (other than within the sulcus)

Question 7

Define surgical or ‘open’ extraction

Answer 7

An extraction after flap creation and removal of alveolar bone

Question 8

Which suture material would you use after extraction of a tooth?

Answer 8

Small monofilament absorbable suture, such as monocryl or caprosyn in 4-0 or 5-0.

Question 9

What are the two situations that we should use antibiotics in dental procedures?

Answer 9

Compromised/immune-deficient patients having any extractions.
Pre-operatively for dental abcesses where treatment is delayed.

Question 10

What are the goals of lifelong dental homecare?

Answer 10

Plaque reduction, reducing gingival inflammation and periodontal disease.