The Journal of the American Dental Association
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Local anesthetic needle fractures occur rarely. Since reports are uncommon, the mechanism and optimal treatment remain controversial. ⋯ Most needle fractures occur during the administration of inferior alveolar nerve blocks, often with 30-gauge needles and in children who are reported to have moved suddenly and violently as the dentist gave the injection. Dentists should avoid burying any needle up to the hub (so as to ensure the possibility of immediately retrieving the needle intraorally), avoid using 30-gauge needles to administer inferior alveolar nerve blocks and avoid bending the needle before inserting it.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Virtual reality distraction for pain control during periodontal scaling and root planing procedures.
Although pain management during periodontal treatment usually is achieved with anesthesia, alternative methods are available. The authors conducted a study to evaluate the analgesic effect of immersive virtual reality (VR) during periodontal scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures. ⋯ Practitioners can use immersive VR distraction for pain control during SRP procedures.