Dental update
-
This review article considers the development of the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) guideline produced by the four dental faculties of the Royal Colleges and the Royal College of Anaesthetists for conscious sedation use in dentistry. An outline of the scope of the document, which aims to set definitive standards for conscious sedation provision within the dental environment, is given. The IACSD guideline sets a national standard for all aspects of dental conscious sedation provision, from training of the team, environment requirements and clinical delivery; it is therefore a requirement that all dentists, doctors and healthcare professionals providing, or supporting, dental conscious sedation are aware of the content. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article should help with the understanding of the development background, scope of the guideline and relevance to the dental practice of dental conscious sedation.
-
Neuropathic pain is a significant social and economic burden. Back pain, joint pain and headaches affect over 30% of the population. Chronic orofacial pain is a common condition and is difficult to diagnose and manage. ⋯ The remaining conditions: post-traumatic neuropathy (nerve injury); and persistent idiopathic facial pain and atypical odontalgia are discussed in this and the following paper. Clinical Relevance: Neuropathic pain, though rare, is a consequence of dental treatment. Nerve injury in relation to M3M surgery, dental implants, endodontics and local anaesthesia result in 70% of affected patients experiencing chronic neuropathic pain.