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viernes, 7 de noviembre de 2025

Differential Diagnosis of Post-Extraction Conditions: Clinical Guide for Dentists

Oral surgery

Post-extraction complications can arise due to infection, inflammation, or impaired healing processes. Proper differential diagnosis is crucial for distinguishing between normal postoperative responses and pathological conditions such as dry socket (alveolar osteitis), infection, or neural injury.

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This article presents an evidence-based overview of post-extraction conditions, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic protocols essential for precise management.

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Introduction
Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures performed worldwide. Although generally safe, post-extraction complications may occur and can significantly impact patient comfort and recovery. Accurate differential diagnosis enables clinicians to identify underlying causes early and prevent further complications. Understanding the pathophysiology of each condition allows for targeted treatment and improved patient outcomes.

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1. Physiological Healing vs. Pathological Conditions
After extraction, the normal healing process involves blood clot formation, granulation tissue development, and progressive epithelialization. However, disruption of this process may lead to pathological conditions such as:

▪️ Alveolar osteitis (dry socket)
▪️ Post-extraction infection
▪️ Residual root fragments
▪️ Maxillary sinus exposure
▪️ Nerve injury (mainly inferior alveolar or lingual nerve)

These conditions often present with overlapping symptoms, making differential diagnosis a critical clinical step.

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2. Clinical Features of Common Post-Extraction Conditions
Post-extraction conditions present a range of clinical manifestations that can help differentiate normal healing from pathological processes.

▪️ Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): Typically occurs 2–4 days after extraction. Patients report severe throbbing pain, often radiating to the ear or temple, absence of the blood clot, and a foul odor or taste. The socket appears partially empty with exposed bone.
▪️ Post-extraction infection: Characterized by swelling, redness, purulent discharge, and persistent pain beyond the expected healing period. Systemic symptoms such as fever or lymphadenopathy may be present.
▪️ Postoperative bleeding: May result from trauma, poor clot formation, or systemic conditions. Clinically, it presents as prolonged oozing or active bleeding several hours after extraction.
▪️ Nerve injury: Usually associated with inferior alveolar or lingual nerve trauma during mandibular extractions. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the lower lip, tongue, or chin.
▪️ Osteomyelitis: A severe infection of the jawbone that manifests as persistent pain, swelling, purulent drainage, and sometimes bone sequestration. Radiographic evaluation is essential for confirmation.
▪️ Trismus: Common after difficult extractions or infection spread to the masticatory muscles. Patients exhibit limited mouth opening and pain on jaw movement.
▪️ Soft tissue injury: May include lacerations or burns caused by surgical instruments or retraction. These usually heal well with local care but can complicate if secondary infection develops.

Recognizing these distinct clinical features ensures timely intervention, reducing the risk of chronic complications and improving postoperative outcomes.

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3. Diagnostic Approach
A systematic evaluation includes:

▪️ Medical history: Systemic conditions (diabetes, immunosuppression) may delay healing.
▪️ Clinical examination: Assess soft tissue inflammation, socket integrity, and pain characteristics.
▪️ Radiographic evaluation: Periapical or panoramic imaging to detect retained roots or bone loss.
▪️ Microbiological testing: Indicated for persistent infections unresponsive to conventional therapy.

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4. Management Strategies

➤ Dry Socket:
Irrigate with sterile saline and apply medicated dressing (eugenol-based).
Analgesics for pain control; avoid antibiotics unless infection is suspected.

➤ Infections:
▪️ Initiate systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin or clindamycin for allergic patients).
▪️ Drain abscesses when necessary and remove necrotic tissue.

➤ Sinus Communication:
▪️ Surgical closure using buccal advancement flap or collagen membrane.
▪️ Prescribe nasal decongestants and antibiotics.

➤ Nerve Injury:
▪️ Evaluate sensory deficit. Use corticosteroids and B-complex vitamins to aid recovery.
▪️ Refer for neurosensory assessment if no improvement within 3 weeks.

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💬 Discussion
Differentiating post-extraction complications is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Recent studies (Hupp et al., 2023; Daly et al., 2022) highlight that alveolar osteitis remains the most common condition, particularly in mandibular molars and among smokers. Implementing structured postoperative monitoring and patient education significantly reduces complication rates.

✍️ Conclusion
Effective differential diagnosis of post-extraction conditions ensures early detection and optimal treatment outcomes. Dentists must integrate clinical examination, radiographic findings, and patient history to distinguish between normal healing and pathological responses. Preventive measures—such as atraumatic extraction techniques and postoperative hygiene—remain key to minimizing complications.

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🔎 Recommendations
▪️ Evaluate systemic factors before extractions to prevent delayed healing.
▪️ Educate patients about signs of infection and dry socket.
▪️ Use chlorhexidine mouth rinse postoperatively to reduce bacterial load.
▪️ Document pain patterns and socket conditions during follow-up visits.
▪️ Apply evidence-based management tailored to each clinical presentation.

📊 Comparative Table: Common Causes of Tooth Extraction

Aspect Description Clinical Implications
Dental Caries Extensive decay compromising pulp and crown structure May lead to periapical infection if untreated
Periodontal Disease Progressive bone and tissue loss around teeth Common cause in adults; associated with systemic inflammation
Impaction Failure of tooth eruption due to lack of space or obstruction Requires surgical extraction; may damage adjacent roots
Orthodontic Reasons Extraction to alleviate crowding or align dentition Planned and controlled under orthodontic supervision
Trauma Irreparable damage from accident or fracture Immediate management required to prevent infection
📚 References

✔ Hupp, J. R., Tucker, M. R., & Ellis, E. (2023). Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (8th ed.). Elsevier.
✔ Daly, B., Batchelor, P., Treasure, E., & Watt, R. (2022). Essential Dental Public Health (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
✔ Torul, D., & Bulut, D. (2021). Post-extraction complications: A review of differential diagnosis and management. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Research, 12(3), e7. https://doi.org/10.5037/jomr.2021.12307

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viernes, 2 de agosto de 2024

Oral cysts in newborns: Characteristics, diagnosis and treatment

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Oral mucosal cysts in newborns are classified according to their origin and location. In the case of neonates, oral alterations are difficult to detect by the clinician.

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Malformations and anomalies of the branchial arches - Diagnosis and management

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The branchial or pharyngeal arches are slits that are located on both sides of the embryo, and from them originate the muscles, bones, cartilage and nerves of the face, head and neck.

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What is odontogenic infection? - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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Odontogenic infections are those that begin in the oral cavity, generally from dental caries, but also from periodontal pathology.

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lunes, 19 de febrero de 2024

Mucocele in Pediatric Dentistry: Clinical and pathological characteristics

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Mucocele is a benign lesion that occurs in the oral mucosa and is the product of an alteration in the minor salivary glands. It is recognized as a swelling with mucous content, well circumscribed, and bluish in color.

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lunes, 12 de febrero de 2024

Appropriate Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Odontogenic Infections: Guidelines for Dentists and Dental Students

Odontogenic Infections

This article provides evidence-based, clinically practical guidance for dentists and dental students on the appropriate use of antibiotics in pediatric odontogenic infections.

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It summarizes indications for systemic antibiotics, first-line agents and alternatives, common drug–drug interactions, and management approaches for conditions such as pulpitis, apical periodontitis, oral wounds, and acute facial swelling of dental origin.

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Recommendations emphasize dental intervention (drainage, pulpal therapy, extraction) as the primary treatment, reserving systemic antibiotics for well-defined clinical scenarios in line with current guidelines and stewardship principles.

Introduction
Antibiotic overuse in dentistry contributes to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug events, and unnecessary costs. Pediatric patients require weight-based dosing, attention to allergies, and careful consideration of indications because many odontogenic problems are best treated by local dental therapy rather than systemic antibiotics. This article integrates recent pediatric dentistry guidance, evidence reviews and stewardship recommendations to help clinicians prescribe safely and effectively.

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Etiology and microbiology
Most odontogenic infections are polymicrobial and dominated by streptococci (especially viridans group streptococci) and anaerobic species from the oral flora. Empiric antibiotic choices target typical aerobic gram-positive cocci and anaerobes when indicated. Local drainage and removal of the source reduce bacterial load and are the primary therapeutic actions.

Diagnosis: when is an antibiotic indicated?
Systemic antibiotics are indicated in pediatric dental infections when any of the following are present:

° Signs of systemic involvement (fever, malaise, tachycardia).
° Rapidly spreading or diffuse cellulitis, extra-oral facial swelling, or involvement of deep neck spaces.
° Trismus with progressive swelling or signs suggesting airway compromise.
° Immunocompromised patients or those with specific cardiac/medical risk where infection control cannot be achieved immediately.

If infection is localized and can be definitively managed by operative treatment (pulp therapy, extraction, drainage), antibiotics alone are not appropriate. These clinical principles align with AAPD and ADA recommendations.

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Specific clinical entities and recommended approach

➤ Pulpitis (irreversible pulpitis without swelling)

° Clinical picture: Spontaneous toothache, thermal sensitivity; no extra-oral swelling or systemic signs.
° Primary treatment: Definitive pulpal therapy (pulpotomy/pulpectomy) or extraction.
° Antibiotics: Not indicated for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis without systemic involvement. Prescribing antibiotics in this scenario provides no benefit and promotes resistance.

➤ Apical periodontitis / acute apical abscess

° Clinical picture: Localized swelling, tenderness to percussion, possible intra-oral swelling; systemic signs dictate severity.
° Primary treatment: Local operative therapy — drainage (pulpal therapy with drainage, incision and drainage, endodontic therapy, or extraction).
° Antibiotics: Indicated if there is systemic involvement or rapidly spreading infection; otherwise, manage with local therapy alone. First-line empiric therapy for most children: amoxicillin (weight-adjusted), or amoxicillin–clavulanate when beta-lactamase producers suspected or recent amoxicillin failure. For penicillin allergy (non-anaphylactic), cephalexin may be used with caution; for severe immediate hypersensitivity, clindamycin or azithromycin (if indicated by local resistance patterns) are alternatives. Always prefer narrowest effective spectrum.

➤ Oral wounds (traumatic intra-oral injuries)

° Clinical picture: Lacerations, avulsions, puncture wounds; contamination varies.
° Primary treatment: Local wound care, irrigation, debridement, repositioning/suturing when indicated, tetanus assessment.
° Antibiotics: Generally not required for uncomplicated clean intra-oral wounds. Consider antibiotics when wounds are heavily contaminated, related to bites, associated with devitalized tissue, in immunocompromised hosts, or when primary closure is delayed. Choose narrow agents based on likely flora (e.g., amoxicillin) and patient allergy profile.

➤ Acute facial swelling of dental origin (cellulitis, spreading infection)

° Clinical picture: Extra-oral diffuse swelling, possible fever, lymphadenopathy, dysphagia, dyspnea, trismus — red-flag features require urgent action.
° Primary treatment: Immediate assessment of airway risk, urgent referral/hospitalization for severe signs, establish drainage and source control, and start systemic antibiotics. For severe cases, intravenous broad therapy per hospital protocols (e.g., ampicillin–sulbactam or a combination covering anaerobes) transitioning to oral therapy when clinically improved. For outpatient moderate cases with no airway compromise: oral amoxicillin or amoxicillin–clavulanate; add metronidazole if anaerobic coverage is needed and local pattern supports it. Imaging and ENT/maxillofacial consultation may be required.

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✅ Dosing and duration

° Use weight-based dosing in children; consult pediatric formularies and local guidelines.
° Typical duration for odontogenic infections when antibiotics are indicated: shortest effective course, commonly 5–7 days with reassessment at 48–72 hours; extend only if clinical signs persist. Avoid “prescribe and forget” long courses. AAPD/ADA guidance emphasizes reassessment and limiting duration.

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✅ Common drug–drug interactions and safety considerations

° Beta-lactams (amoxicillin, amoxicillin–clavulanate): Generally safe; probenecid interaction increases levels; monitor in patients on methotrexate (may increase toxicity).
° Clindamycin: Risk of Clostridioides difficile infection; interacts with neuromuscular blocking agents (rare relevance in dentistry). Monitor for gastrointestinal adverse effects.
° Macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin): Clarithromycin has clinically significant interactions (CYP3A4 inhibition) with drugs that prolong QT interval or are metabolized by CYP3A4; azithromycin has fewer CYP interactions but still may prolong QT. Be cautious in patients on antiarrhythmics or certain antipsychotics.
° Metronidazole: Disulfiram-like reaction with ethanol; potentiates warfarin anticoagulation (monitor INR).
° Tetracyclines: Generally avoided in children under 8 years due to tooth discoloration and effects on bone growth.

Always review the child’s current medications (including over-the-counter and herbal) and allergy history prior to prescribing. Use local microbiology and resistance data where available.

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Antimicrobial stewardship in dental practice

° Prioritize operative care (drainage, removal of source) over systemic antibiotics when possible.
° Educate caregivers on the rationale for not using antibiotics when unnecessary.
° Use narrow-spectrum agents when therapy is indicated and document indication, dose, duration, and follow-up plan.
° Implement audit and feedback in the practice to improve prescribing patterns; stewardship interventions in dental settings have demonstrated improved appropriateness.

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💬 Discussion
Appropriate antibiotic use in pediatric odontogenic infections reduces complications and contributes to resistance mitigation. Clinicians must balance the immediate clinical needs of the child (airway, systemic infection) with public health responsibilities. Important unresolved areas include optimal durations in children for specific odontogenic diagnoses and regional resistance patterns; clinicians should stay current with local and national guidelines. When in doubt about severity or airway risk, err on the side of urgent referral.

✍️ Conclusion
Systemic antibiotics have a clear but limited role in pediatric odontogenic infections. Definitive dental management (source control) is the cornerstone of care. Prescribe antibiotics only when indicated (systemic signs, spreading infection, immune compromise), use weight-appropriate dosing and the narrowest effective agent, be mindful of interactions and allergies, and reassess patients within 48–72 hours. Integrating antimicrobial stewardship into dental practice improves patient outcomes and helps slow antimicrobial resistance.

📊 Comparative Table:: SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND MEDICATION

Aspect Advantages / Recommended medication Limitations / Notes
Pulpitis (irreversible) — clinical signs Definitive pulpal therapy (pulpotomy/pulpectomy) or extraction. No antibiotics indicated if no systemic signs. Antibiotics do not relieve pulpitis pain and are not indicated without systemic involvement; avoid unnecessary prescribing.
Acute apical periodontitis / localized abscess Local drainage + pulpal therapy or extraction. If systemic signs or spreading infection: oral amoxicillin (weight-based). Alternatives: amoxicillin–clavulanate, clindamycin for true penicillin anaphylaxis. Antibiotics only when systemic symptoms or spreading; consider culture if recurrent or non-responsive; account for penicillin allergy and local resistance.
Oral traumatic wounds (laceration, avulsion) Clean irrigation, debridement, suturing if needed, tetanus check. Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) **only** for heavily contaminated wounds, bites, or immunocompromised patients. Routine uncomplicated intra-oral wounds do not require antibiotics; unnecessary use risks side effects and resistance.
Acute facial swelling of dental origin (cellulitis / spreading infection) Urgent source control + systemic antibiotics. Outpatient (no airway compromise): oral amoxicillin or amoxicillin–clavulanate; inpatient/severe: IV broad therapy per hospital protocol (e.g., ampicillin-sulbactam). Add metronidazole if anaerobic cover needed. High risk of airway compromise — refer immediately if severe. IV therapy and hospitalization for systemic signs, rapid spread, or airway compromise. Use stewardship principles when narrowing therapy.
General stewardship notes Use narrowest effective agent, weight-based dosing, short course (commonly 5–7 days), document indication and plan for reassessment at 48–72 h. Adjust for allergies, interactions (e.g., macrolides/CYP interactions), local resistance patterns; avoid tetracyclines in <8 old.="" td="" years="">

📚 References

✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2024). Use of Antibiotic Therapy for Pediatric Dental Patients (Best Practice). AAPD.
✔ American Dental Association. (2019). Evidence-based clinical practice guideline: Antibiotic use for the urgent management of pulpal- and periapical-related dental pain and intra-oral swelling. Journal of the American Dental Association / ADA resources.
✔ Teoh, L., et al. (2024). A systematic review of dental antibiotic stewardship interventions. [Journal]. (Review summarizing stewardship outcomes in dentistry).
✔ Goel, D., et al. (2020). Antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric dentistry: A review. International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry.
✔ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Antibiotic Use and Stewardship resources for healthcare professionals. CDC.

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👉 "Use of Antibiotic Therapy for Pediatric Dental Patients" 👈


American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Use of antibiotic therapy for pediatric dental patients. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2023:537-41.

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Oral lesions in neonates, children and adolescents. Characteristics, diagnosis and treatment

Oral pathology

Oral lesions in newborns can affect hard and soft tissues, and can be part of a systemic condition, which is why it is of great interest to the neonatologist, pediatrician, and pediatric dentist.

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Characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of common oral disorders in newborns

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👉 "Diagnosis and management of oral lesions and conditions in the newborn" 👈


WFP Van Heerden & AW Van Zyl (2010) Diagnosis and management of oral lesions and conditions in the newborn, South African Family Practice, 52:6, 489-491, DOI:10.1080/20786204.2010.10874032

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viernes, 3 de noviembre de 2023

Zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry: Clinical considerations and step-by-step procedure

Zirconia crowns

Early childhood caries destroys children's dental tissue, especially the upper incisors, putting the patient's aesthetics, chewing, phonation, and social development at risk.

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Video 🔽 Step-by-step preparation of molars and primary incisors for Zirconia crowns ... The greatest benefit of Zirconia crowns is aesthetics, compared to stainless steel crowns. At the time of preparation, a series of considerations must be taken by the pediatric dentist

Currently there are several aesthetic alternatives for the oral rehabilitation of pediatric patients, such as direct resins, celluloid crowns or zirconia crowns.

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Learn about the indications and contraindications of zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry, in addition to the clinical considerations and protocol for successful implementation of the crowns. Information in PDF and video

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Article PDF 🔽 Anterior dental esthetics in primary teeth - Oral Rehabilitation ... Primary teeth can be affected by bottle tooth decay, or by hypoplastic defects, and in some cases by bruxism

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👉 "Clinical considerations for preformed zirconia crowns in early childhood caries: A case series and review of literature" 👈


Rajesh Hemant Bariker, Jorge Casián-Adem, Ivonne Segovia. Clinical considerations for preformed zirconia crowns in early childhood caries: A case series and review of literature. Contemp Pediatr Dent 2022:3(1):24-34

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miércoles, 11 de octubre de 2023

Parafunctional oral habits. Which are? Diagnosis and treatment

Orthodontics

Parafunctional oral habits are repetitive actions that hinder the harmonious growth of the jaws and orofacial development. Parafunctional habits are highly prevalent and can be acquired and compulsive.

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Video - PDF 🔽 Dental abscess, facial cellulitis and Ludwig's Angina in a pediatric patient - Diagnosis and treatment ... We share a complete list of clinical cases, scientific articles, videos on the diagnosis, surgical and pharmacological treatment of odontogenic infections in pediatric patients

Early evaluation and diagnosis is essential in these cases, and treatment can be multifactorial through the intervention of the pediatrician and speech therapist. Some parafunctional habits are: tongue interposition, digital sucking and mouth breathing.

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Let's know what the most common parafunctional habits are and their etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and their relationship with malocclusions.

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Article PDF 🔽 Odontogenic facial cellulitis in a pediatric patient - Medical-dental management considerations ... In the initial stages, cellulite is of a soft consistency, in advanced stages it is hardened. The infant's immune system is diminished, so it is necessary to control and eliminate the causative agent

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👉 "Management of Oral Parafunctional Habits: A Case Report" 👈


P.S, Murali & Achalli, Sonika & Chandragiri, Sandeep & Shetty, Sameep. (2023). Management of Oral Parafunctional Habits: A Case Report. Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU. 10.1055/s-0043-1764358.

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👉 "Oral Habits and its Relationship to Malocclusion: A Review " 👈


Kharat S. Oral Habits and its Relationship to Malocclusion: A Review. J Adv Med Dent Scie Res 2014;2(4):123-126.

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domingo, 3 de septiembre de 2023

Painless anesthesia in pediatric dentistry - Application techniques and systems

Pediatric Medical Emergencies

Anesthesia helps control pain and improves the management of the pediatric patient, so it is important that the pediatric dentist knows the different anesthetic techniques to minimize the pain and stress of the patient.

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There are several factors that ensure effective anesthesia, such as knowledge of the anatomical structures, dosage, and administration of the anesthetic solution.

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There are currently several local anesthetic administration systems that improve the patient's experience during the dental procedure. Learn about the new painless local anesthesia administration systems and techniques in pediatric dentistry, and how to control pain in pediatric patients.

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Watch the video 🔽 Inferior alveolar nerve block Technique For Children - Tips and tricks ... The inferior alveolar nerve block technique is one of the most used, because it blocks the painful sensations of half of the tongue, lip, teeth and bone of the lower jaw


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👉 "Painless Anaesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry: An Updated Review" 👈


Kulkarni, Nupoor & Parakh, Anushka & Modi, Shagun & Mankare, Akash & Vanjari, Gauri & Fernandes, Gabriela. (2019). Painless Anaesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry: An Updated Review. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences. 18. 67-71. 10.9790/0853-1804076771.

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viernes, 28 de julio de 2023

Medical emergencies in pediatric dentistry: Diagnosis and treatment

Pediatric Medical Emergencies

Pediatric medical emergencies can occur in the dental office, and the professional must be prepared to prevent, identify, diagnose, and treat these life-threatening events.

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Watch the video 🔽 How to handle medical emergencies in pediatric dentistry? ... We share a video that teaches us what should be the immediate behavior that the pediatric dentist should have in the event of a medical emergency in a pediatric patient (syncope / asthma / anaphylaxis)

The clinical history must be rigorous to identify any medical history that puts us on alert during dental management, such as allergies or heart disease.

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Let us know what are the pediatric medical emergencies that can happen during the dental consultation, their clinical manifestations and the definitive treatment.

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Article PDF 🔽 Management of mandibular fractures in children. Diagnosis and treatment. Case report ... The evaluation and treatment must be immediate to avoid functional disorders, serious consequences in the craniofacial development and in the aesthetics of the patient


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👉 "Management of Pediatric Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office" 👈


Steven Schwartz, DDS; Jayakumar Jayaraman, BDS, MDS, FDSRCS, MS, PhD Management of Pediatric Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office dentalcare.com

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sábado, 24 de junio de 2023

How to manage dental infections? - Specific pharmacological treatment

dental infections

Various types of infections (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.) can originate in the oral cavity, all of them of different severity. In some cases they can put the patient's life at risk and require hospital care.

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Video - PDF 🔽 Dental abscess, facial cellulitis and Ludwig's Angina in a pediatric patient - Diagnosis and treatment ... We share a complete list of clinical cases, scientific articles, videos on the diagnosis, surgical and pharmacological treatment of odontogenic infections in pediatric patients

The dentist must recognize the symptoms, the clinical and pharmacological management of odontogenic infections, in order to act immediately and thus avoid the aggravation of the conditions.

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Let us know the causative agents of odontogenic infections and the clinical management and specific pharmacological treatment for each of them.

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👉 "How are odontogenic infections best managed?" 👈


J Can Dent Assoc 2010;76:a37

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Bruxism: What are the symptoms? How is it diagnosed?

Bruxism

Bruxism is a parafunctional and multifactorial activity that consists of abnormal contact of the teeth (clenching or grinding), resulting in pain and alterations in the chewing muscles, temporomandibular joint, and teeth.

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Bruxism can occur at any age, and must be diagnosed and treated in time to avoid its serious consequences and complications. Treatment is sometimes usually multidisciplinary.

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We share a review article on the symptoms of bruxism and its current concepts on the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology.

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Article PDF 🔽 How to Reduce a TMJ Dislocation? ... Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is a painful condition that occurs when the mandibular condyle becomes fixed in the anterosuperior aspect of the articular eminence


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👉 "Diagnosis and treatment of bruxism: Concepts from past to present" 👈


Dr. Hema Kanathila, Dr. Ashwin Pangi, Dr. Bharathi Poojary, Dr. Mallikarjun Doddamani. Diagnosis and treatment of bruxism: Concepts from past to present. Int J Appl Dent Sci 2018;4(1):290-295.

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Manual of extraction techniques in pediatric dentistry - Step by step

Oral surgery

Tooth extraction is a routine treatment in the pediatric dentist's office. This procedure is performed when the tooth presents a deep caries and impossible reconstruction, fracture due to trauma, eruptive problems.

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The characteristics of the primary teeth and the presence of the germs of the permanent teeth must be taken into account when performing a dental extraction.

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We share an article that shows us the anatomical considerations and the appropriate surgical technique when extracting teeth in pediatric patients.

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Chapter 8: Extraction of Primary Dentition From Handbook of Clinical Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry. Edited by Jane A. Soxman

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Antibiotics in dental infections in children. Which one to use?

Frenectomy

The oral cavity presents a flora that can be affected by an infectious process, at which point the flora becomes opportunistic. The use of antibiotics must be reasonable to control infectious processes.

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The administration of drugs must be responsible to avoid antibiotic resistance (ability of a microorganism to resist the effects of a drug). Before prescribing a medication, it is necessary to review and analyze the drug to avoid resistance and other problems such as allergies.

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We share a study that analyzes the characteristics and use of the most widely used antibiotics in pediatric dentistry during a dental infection.

📌 Read and download the article in PDF : Antibiotic use for treating dental infections in children



Cherry, W.R., Lee, J.Y., Shugars, D.A., White, R.P., & Vann, W.F. (2012). Antibiotic use for treating dental infections in children: a survey of dentists' prescribing practices. Journal of the American Dental Association, 143 1, 31-8.

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