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Biomedical subjects

J B Bridgman

Publications and source records attributed to J B Bridgman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

An extraction complicated by lateral and medial pterygoid tethering of a fractured maxillary tuberosity.

We report a case in which the extraction of an upper second molar was complicated by a maxillary tuberosity fracture. Delivery of the tooth and bone fragment under local anaesthesia was unable to be achieved because of pain, brisk bleeding and tethering by the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. The eventual removal of the fragment under general anaesthetic required the control of haemorrhage deep within the infratemporal fossa. When this complication is recognised by the general dentist the maxillary tuberosity should not be removed and the patient referred to a specialist unit.

Exostoses↗

Facial sensory loss--a need for suspicion.

Three patients with facial sensory loss were referred by their general dental practitioners. In the absence of local or systemic factors to account for such symptoms, the dental surgeon should be alert to the possibility of sinister underlying pathology, possibly remote from the jaws. Even in the face of negative special tests, patients should be thoroughly investigated and referred accordingly. Following referral, an exhaustive search should be undertaken for possible causes, particularly for the possibility of metastatic disease.

Brain Neoplasms↗

The absence of any pre-emptive analgesic effect for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pre-emptive analgesic efficacy of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium, was tested in 21 young, fit, patients undergoing third molar extractions in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over, trial. Pain scores and mouth opening were observed for 1 week after the operation and these did not show any differences following pre- and postoperative oral administration of diclofenac sodium 100 mg (P > 0.05). There were no differences in the patients' preference for the two methods of treatment (P > 0.05). The study suggests that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium does not cause any significant pre-emptive analgesic effects in the dose administered.

Adult↗

Radiography in endodontics.

In endodontics, the paralleling technique has a geometrical advantage over the bisecting angle technique and results in radiographs with less distortion. Distortion is undesirable for endodontic radiography as it can significantly alter the apparent position of an endodontic instrument relative to the root apex. However, there are instances where the bisecting angle is preferable, and consideration should be given to this technique to improve the image quality when it is used.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗

A lymphoepithelial cyst (branchial cyst) in the floor of the mouth.

Lymphoepithelial cysts are developmental, but their pathogenesis is unknown. The classical explanation is that they are derived from remnants of the branchial arches or clefts. This has been disputed, and it is likely that most arise from epithelium, possibly of tonsillar or salivary origin, that becomes entrapped by lymphoid tissue. This report describes a lymphoepithelial cyst in a 29-year-old man. The cyst was situated on the right side of the floor of the mouth adjacent to the lingual frenum. Its appearance supports both branchiogenic and the entrapment theories.

Adult↗

An update on dental radiology: quality and safety.

Attention to accuracy at all stages of the production of radiographs and regular monitoring are necessary to achieve optimum quality. Faults in radiographs may be difficult to diagnose, as they may arise from a variety of causes. A systematic approach to the diagnosis of faults is necessary. Much of the development in dental radiography since its initial use 100 years ago has been designed to reduce the exposure of patient and operator to x-rays. This aspect of radiography is still pertinent. Recent legislation affects the design and ventilation of x-ray developing rooms. The prevention of cross infection is now an important aspect of dental radiography, and practices should establish a protocol to ensure that the risk of transmission of infection is minimised.

Humans↗