Dental update
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The use of conscious sedation for the management of anxious paediatric dental patients is extremely beneficial. Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen remains the mainstay for paediatric sedation in the UK. ⋯ Dentists carrying out inhalation sedation for dental treatment must be fully conversant with the technique and the principles of patient management.
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The use of conscious sedation in paediatric dentistry is very beneficial for the management of anxious children. It is essential that it is provided according to national guidelines in a safe and effective manner. ⋯ Dentists carrying out conscious sedation in children must be aware of current national guidance and the most appropriate techniques to use.
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A telephone survey was used to assess adequacy of pain control after third molar removal in a series of three audits. After each audit, factors contributing to failure to control pain adequately and poor patient compliance with our analgesic regimen were identified. Changes in practice were then introduced to remedy areas of weakness and improve outcome. Despite an apparently sound protocol for the prescription of analgesics for patients having third molar surgery, the first audit revealed that 53% of patients experienced moderate to severe pain. After the introduction of written patient instructions to clarify the use of post-operative analgesics, the second audit demonstrated that 86% had their pain managed successfully. After subsequently increasing the post-operative Ibuprofen doses from 400 mg to 600 mg, the third audit showed that 96% of patients had satisfactory pain control. The use of clinical audit with an evidence-based analgesic regimen and clear, written patient instruction has improved post-operative pain control. ⋯ This paper demonstrates the usefulness of clinical audit for the monitoring and improvement of pain control and analgesic prescribing regimens following oral surgery, which in turn may improve patient experience and outcome.
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The aim of this study was to assess whether some types of Indian cuisine may contain erosive components. Indian dishes were prepared by a previously published method and their pH measured using a pH probe. The results indicated: (i) that some components of Indian cooking, such as tomatoes and red chilli powder, had the potential to erode enamel; (ii) that the pH of some foods was reduced with increasing temperature; and (iii) that all the basic masalas made and tested had a pH of less than 4.5. Within the limitations of the study, it may be concluded that the basic sauce/masala used in north Indian dishes may have erosive potential. ⋯ This information could be considered useful when advising patients who eat Indian curries about causes of acid erosion of their teeth.