Australian dental journal
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Australian dental journal · Dec 2005
ReviewA concise review of the basic biology and pharmacology of local analgesia.
Local analgesics are the most commonly used group drugs in dental practice. However, due to their frequent use and high margin of safety, often dental practitioners neglect to properly understand the biology and pharmacology of these drugs. ⋯ Specific details and properties of some currently available solutions are also outlined. A greater understanding of the biology and pharmacology of local anaesthetics will ultimately lead to safer and more effective use in everyday clinical practice.
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Pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek dental treatment. It may be due to many different diseases/conditions or it may occur after treatment. Dentists must be able to diagnose the source of pain and have strategies for its management. ⋯ The opioids are powerful analgesics but have significant side effects and therefore they should be reserved for severe pain only. The most commonly-used opioid is codeine, usually in combination with paracetamol. Corticosteroids can also be used for managing inflammation but their use in dentistry is limited to a few very specific situations.
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Australian dental journal · Jun 1997
Review Case ReportsSerious complications of endodontic infections: some cautionary tales.
While endodontic (dentoalveolar) abscesses can cause significant morbidity, in susceptible individuals they can pose life-threatening problems. This paper provides an overview of the more serious sequelae of endodontic abscesses, and provides examples of 'high risk' situations in practice in which these serious complications are more likely to occur.
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Australian dental journal · Aug 1996
ReviewAnatomical considerations in the diagnosis and management of acute maxillofacial bacterial infections.
General dentists are frequently called upon to manage maxillofacial infections. Such infections are usually well localized in their initial stages but can spread to become severe and potentially life-threatening. This paper discusses the anatomical basis of the spread of these infections and techniques relevant to the rational management of these serious conditions.
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The ideal airway requirements for oral surgery are the provision of a stable, unobstructed airway, protection of the lungs from aspiration, minimal interference with the surgical field and a low complication rate. Neither the nasal mask nor endotracheal tube meet these requirements. The laryngeal mask airway (LMA), provides a third type of airway for consideration in oral surgery that offers some of the benefits of intubation and avoids many of the associated hazards. ⋯ Scavenging of waste gases is possible, and it is well tolerated during recovery. A modification, specifically designed for head, neck and dental anaesthesia, has recently become available. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the LMA with special emphasis on its use in oral surgery.