Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
March 2014
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
15
Issue:
1

Tongue retractor developed for occlusal adjustment under general anaesthesia

Abstract
Aims and objectives: Under general anaesthesia, the apparent volume of the tongue increases and consequently the tongue is a serious obstacle in prosthetic treatment especially in occlusal adjustments. A large tongue may enter the space between the upper and lower teeth and interfere with occlusal adjustment. No convenient method to eliminate the tongue has been reported. In response to this need, we developed a tongue retractor and have been using it in clinical practice for two years. This study examined the effect of the tongue retractor on occlusal adjustment times involving general anaesthesia. Design: The study involved five patients and two operators. The measurements were performed in the occlusal adjustment of the molars. The study measured the length of time between the dentist taking hold of the articulating paper and the first tap in occlusal adjustment with and without the tongue retractor. Results: For both dentists, the time used with the tongue retractor was significantly shorter than the time taken when not using the retractor (p: 0.05), the difference was 8.0-19.2 seconds for dentist A and 9.7-34.8 seconds for dentist B. There were no statistically significant differences between the dentists use or non-use of the tongue retractor. Conclusion: Use of the tongue retractor was effective in significantly shortening occlusal adjustment times. Occlusal adjustment is a time consuming and difficult procedure under general anaesthetic. The results indicate that the tongue retractor was effective in making occlusal adjustment under general anaesthetic easier and was more efficient.

Key words: Tongue retractor, general anaesthesia, occlusal adjustment, disabled persons, oral rehabilitation

Doi: 10.4483/JDOH_Kobayashi05

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
18
Page End
22
Authors
K Kobayashi, K Okada, N Inoue

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