Oral Surg Oral Med O
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Oral Surg Oral Med O · Jul 2004
Review Case ReportsPseudo bilateral tonsilloliths: a case report and review of the literature.
Tonsilloliths are very rare concretions found in the tonsillar crypt. They are usually single and unilateral, but occasionally may be multiple or bilateral. Small concretions in the tonsils are common, but well formed giant unilateral or bilateral tonsilloliths are extremely uncommon. ⋯ A case of unilateral tonsillolith, mimicking bilateral tonsilloliths taken with the orthopantogram (OPT) in a 57-year-old Malaysian Indian female with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity is described. Although the OPT is a reliable and standard panoramic X-ray unit used in dentistry, superimposition of a lesion involving one side of the jaw creates a pseudo or ghost image on the contralateral side leading to a misdiagnosis of bilateral lesions. This report highlights that tonsilloliths, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque masses involving the mandibular ramus, and that investigations such as CT scan or MRI may be required to differentiate pseudo or ghost images from true bilateral pathologies.
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Pregnancy results in physiologic changes in almost all organ systems in the body mediated mainly by female sex hormones. Physiologic changes of pregnancy influence the dental management of women during pregnancy. Understanding these normal changes is essential for providing quality care for pregnant women. ⋯ Information about the compatibility, complications, and excretion of the common drugs during pregnancy is provided. Drugs and their usage during breast-feeding are also discussed. Guidelines for the management of a pregnant patient in the dental office are summarized.
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Oral Surg Oral Med O · Apr 2003
ReviewThe management of acute dental pain in the recovering alcoholic.
Although there have been many advances in our understanding of the neurophysiology of pain, the management of acute pain continues to be a challenge. When the need arises to provide adequate and effective pain management for the recovering alcoholic, the problem becomes much more complex. ⋯ In the US, 6% to 10% of the population has attended Alcoholics Anonymous at some point, increasing the likelihood of the clinician being faced with the need to manage acute pain in a recovering alcoholic. The purpose of this article is to suggest guidelines for the management of acute dental pain in the recovering alcoholic based on current principles of acute pain management and for the treatment of pain in addicted patients.
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Oral Surg Oral Med O · Jan 2003
Review Case ReportsNecrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck: case reports and literature review.
A small but nevertheless important part of a surgeon's experience comprises necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck. The purpose of this report is to heighten awareness of necrotizing soft tissue infections in any patient with an infection of the head and neck. ⋯ Prompt diagnosis and early radical surgical debridement are significant factors in avoiding a fatal outcome in these patients. This article reviews the literature on necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck and presents cases from our recent experience.
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Oral Surg Oral Med O · Jan 2003
ReviewManagement of epistaxis in the oral and maxillofacial surgery setting: An update on current practice.
Epistaxis is a common and, in most cases, benign event. Although most nosebleeds resolve spontaneously, some may be profuse and life-threatening. Severe or recurrent epistaxis can be a challenging management problem. ⋯ The etiology and relevant surgical anatomy are discussed. This is followed by an update on current treatment regimens in different scenarios. A stepwise algorithm for the management of epistaxis is presented.