PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 11789440

[Dentistry and epilepsy].

Abstract

Epileptic seizures are the third most common medical incident in dental surgeries. Dentists should ask patients about a history of epilepsy and should know how to manage an epileptic seizure. Falls caused by seizures increase the risk of dental injuries, and fixed dental replacements (e.g., tooth implants) are recommended to reduce the risk of aspiration. Phenytoin induces gingival hyperplasia in 50% to 60% of patients, treatment options include a switch to alternative anticonvulsant drugs and improved dental hygiene. In addition to conventional dental care, the use of electric toothbrushes and the application of chlorhexidine and regular professional dental cleaning may prevent the development of gingival hyperplasia. Local anaesthetic agents without added adrenalin should be chosen (e.g., Mepivacain and Articain). There are case reports of reflex epileptic seizures caused by (prolonged) brushing of teeth.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

L Pick, J Bauer. 2001. [Dentistry and epilepsy].. https://doi.org/10.1007/s001150170008

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Ultrasonic bone cutting for surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) under local anaesthesia.

Ultrasonic bone-cutting surgery has been recently introduced as a feasible alternative to the conventional tools of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery, due to its technical characteristics of precision and safety. The device used is unique in that the cutting action occurs when the tool is employed on mineralized tissues, but stops on soft tissues. This technical note illustrates the use of Piezosurgery for all osteotomies of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). The procedure, including pterygo-maxillary detachment, can be completed under local anaesthesia. Other advantages include minimal risk of jeopardizing critical anatomic structures (e.g. palatine artery), minimal intraoperative bleeding and postoperative swelling, and minimal thermal damage to bone surfaces. Narrow and rectilinear osteotomies can be easily performed with varying vibrating scalpels, at the cost of a longer operative time.

Anesthesia, Dental↗

Failure of locoregional anesthesia in dental practice. Review of the literature.

Correct identification of the causes of dental anesthetic failure is essential in order to adopt the required measures for successful anesthesia. A review is made of the factors implicated in locoregional anesthesia failure, such as a bifid inferior alveolar nerve, retromolar foramen associated to accessory innervation, double or accessory mental foramen, the relation between the infiltration technique and bone density, accessory innervation in the case of the mylohyoid nerve and first cervical branches, cross innervation of the incisors, inactivity in the presence of tissue inflammation, inactive anesthetic solutions, an incorrect technique, and subjective perception on the part of particularly anxious patients. The therapeutic options available in the event such problems are encountered in routine clinical practice are commented.

Anesthesia, Dental↗