An in vivo evaluation of the change in the pulpal oxygen saturation after administration of preoperative anxiolytics and local anesthesia.

Background. Given the influence of systemic blood pressure on pulpal blood flow, anxiolytics prescribed may alter the pulpal blood flow along with the local anesthetic solution containing a vasoconstrictor. This study evaluated the impact of preoperative anxiolytics and vasoconstrictors in local anesthetic agents on pulpal oxygen saturation. Methods. Thirty anxious young healthy individuals with a mean age of 24 years were randomly selected using the Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). After checking the vital signs the initial pulpal oxygen saturation (initial SpO2) was measured using a pulse oximeter. Oral midzolam was administered at a dose of 7.5 mg. After 30 min, the vital signs were monitored and the pulpal oxygen saturation (anxiolytic SpO2) was measured. A total of 1.5 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:200000 epinephrine was administered as buccal infiltration anesthesia and 10 min the final pulpal oxygen saturation (L.A SpO2) was measured. Results. The mean initial (SpO2) was 96.37% which significantly decreased to 90.76% (SpO2) after the administration of the anxiolytic agent. This drop was later accentuated to 85.17% (SpO2) after administration of local anesthetic solution. Statistical significance was set at P<0.0001. Conclusion. High concentrations of irritants may permeate dentin due to a considerable decrease in the pulpal blood flow from crown or cavity preparation. Therefore, maintaining optimal blood flow during restorative procedures may prevent pulpal injury.

Changing guidelines of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support for general dental practitioners and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Every general dental practitioner and oral and maxillofacial surgeon needs a thorough knowledge of the diagnosis and management of medical emergencies. Cardiopulmonary arrest is the most urgent of emergencies and diagnosis must be done as soon as possible. PURPOSE: This paper discusses the importance of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation which forms the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), highlighting the important changes in the guidelines of CPR from the year 2000 to 2010, the basic sequence of performing CPR and also the role of defibrillation and the use of automated external defibrillators. Finally the five part chain of survival which is of utmost importance to dental health care professionals and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. CONCLUSION: All dental health care personnel and oral & maxillofacial surgeons should recognize the importance of the changes in the guidelines of CPR, be trained and allowed to use a properly maintained defibrillator, to respond to cardiac arrest victims.

Traumatic herniation of buccal fat pad in 1 year old child: case report and review of literature.

Traumatic herniation of buccal fat pad (BFP) is very rare, usually seen in infants and young children ranging from 5 months to 12 years of age. Etiology will be blunt injury to buccal mucosa from foreign objects or trauma due to teeth and fall. The suckling activity in infants may also encourage the herniation following trauma. A minor injury or perforation to the buccal mucosa can cause herniation of BFP. The size of herniated mass is very large when compared to the size of the perforation. The history of trauma, absence of prolapse before the injury, its occurrence in infants and young children, specific anatomic sites and location of perforation in mucosa, histopathological appearance of adipose tissue are the characteristic features important for diagnosing the condition. The treatment options for the herniated BFP are usually excision. Alternative to excision is repositioning of the herniated fat in its anatomical location if noticed early.