Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
March 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
10
Issue:
1

Management of exaggerated gag reflex using conscious sedation techniques in endodontic therapy - a pilot study

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of inhalation sedation (IS) and intravenous (IV) sedation for gag reflex management in patients undergoing endodontic therapy. Design: Twelve cases (five mandibular molars, two maxillary and two mandibular premolars, one maxillary canine and two maxillary incisors) of five retching, male patients were studied. Management techniques, complications during treatment, and the characteristics of the root canal obturation were surveyed. The postoperative discomfort was also examined every month for four months, up to two years after root canal filling. Results: Two patients each underwent IS and IV sedation, and both management techniques were employed in the fifth patient. Endodontic treatment was completed without respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting or other complications. Radiographs indicated that the root canals were filled up to 0.5-2mm on the inner portion from the apex in 10 of 12 teeth, although the curved root canals of two mandibular molars showed unfilled space between the ledge and apex. After root canal filling, no postoperative pain / swelling or other discomfort was observed throughout the observation periods. Conclusion: IS and IV sedation were useful management techniques that facilitated endodontic therapy for problematic gag reflex patients who could not tolerate therapy by behaviour modification.

Key words: Gag reflex, inhalation sedation, intravenous sedation, endodontic therapy

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
36
Page End
40
Authors
Harushi Yoshida, Tomoyuki Nogami, Yoshihiko Hayashi, Kumiko Oi

Articles from this issue

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  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 1
  3. 1

  1. A survey of the quality and quantity of Special Care Dentistry teaching, including Gerodontology, in dental schools of the United Kingdom and Ireland
  2. 3
  3. 10

  1. Oral Health Assessment 1.pdf
  2. 11
  3. 17

  1. Oral health risk assessment of adults with learning disabilities: (2) Attitudes of dentists and care staff
  2. 18
  3. 24

  1. A preliminary investigation into aspects of oral health of Bangladeshi young adults with a learning disability in Tower Hamlets
  2. 25
  3. 35

  1. Management of exaggerated gag reflex using conscious sedation techniques in endodontic therapy - a pilot study
  2. 36
  3. 40

  1. Locked-in syndrome: A case report
  2. 41
  3. 43

  1. A tribute Jane Chalmers
  2. 47
  3. 47

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