Abstract

Monitoring and assessing of patient respiratory function during conscious sedation are important because many drugs used for conscious sedation produce respiratory depression and subsequent hypoventilation. The purpose of this study is to assess the value of a dynamic air-pressure sensor for respiratory monitoring of clothed patients. Eight clothed adult volunteers were reclined on a dental chair positioned horizontally. The air bag for measuring air-pressure signals corresponding to respiration was placed on the seat back of the dental chair in the central lumbar area of the subject. The subject breathed through a face mask with a respirometer attached for measuring expiratory tidal volume. The air-pressure signals corresponding to respiration were obtained and the time integration values for air pressure during each expiration (∫P_exp) were calculated. The expiratory tidal volume (TV_exp) was measured simultaneously by respirometer. The relationship between TV_exp and ∫P_exp for each subject was assessed by a Pearson correlation coefficient. A strong correlation between TV_exp and ∫P_exp was observed in all subjects. Measuring ∫P_exp by dynamic air-pressure sensor makes it possible to estimate respiratory volume breath by breath, and the respiratory pressure–time integral waveform was useful in visually monitoring the respiration pattern. We believe that in the future this device will be used to monitor respiratory physiology in clothed patients, contributing to safer sedative procedures.

Abstract

We describe a case in which reflection of a palatal flap for removal of a mesiodens is presented as the triggering factor for bradycardia caused by stimulation of the trigeminocardiac reflex. The management of the case, as well as the reflex arc, is discussed.

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) has been used for well over 150 years in clinical dentistry for its analgesic and anxiolytic properties. This small and simple inorganic chemical molecule has indisputable effects of analgesia, anxiolysis, and anesthesia that are of great clinical interest. Recent studies have helped to clarify the analgesic mechanisms of N₂O, but the mechanisms involved in its anxiolytic and anesthetic actions remain less clear. Findings to date indicate that the analgesic effect of N₂O is opioid in nature, and, like morphine, may involve a myriad of neuromodulators in the spinal cord. The anxiolytic effect of N₂O, on the other hand, resembles that of benzodiazepines and may be initiated at selected subunits of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptor. Similarly, the anesthetic effect of N₂O may involve actions at GABA_A receptors and possibly at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors as well. This article reviews the latest information on the proposed modes of action for these clinicaleffects of N₂O.

Address correspondence to Nagaaki Suzuki, Nishibori Dental Office, I-30-8, Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan.

Clinical Analysis of Atypical Facial Pain without Established Proper Treatment in 915 Patients Nagaaki Suzuki, Takao Shibaji, Saori Yamazaki, Masami Nakano, Akira Maeda, Masato Kawashima, Shigenari Mashu, Tetsuji Kawaguchi, Masahiko Shimada, Shigeharu Jinno, Masahiro UminoJ JPN DENT SOC ANESTHESIOL 2006;34 273-281.

Atypical facial pain (ATFP) has been defined as persistent idiopathic facial pain, and still lacks clear diagnostic criteria and proper treatment. Symptoms and the therapeutic effects of ATFP without an attributable disorder were analyzed in 915 patients (132 males

The IFDAS Meeting in Yokohama—Another Brilliant Success

An Alternative Approach to the Monitoring of Respiration by Dynamic Air-Pressure Sensor

Abstract

Anesthetic Management of the Trigeminocardiac Reflex During Mesiodens Removal—A Case Report

Abstract

Advances in Understanding the Actions of Nitrous Oxide

Abstract

Drug Therapy in Dental Practice: General Principles

Abstract

11th International Dental Congress on Modern Pain Control The Essential Role of Dental Anesthesiology in the 21st Century Safe and Comfortable Dentistry 4th–7th October, 2006

The Essential Role of Dental Anesthesiology in the 21st Century—Safe and Comfortable Dentistry Yuzuru Kaneko, DDS, PhD, Dean, Tokyo Dental College, Japan

JDSA Journal Abstracts

The IFDAS Meeting in Yokohama—Another Brilliant Success

Drug Therapy in Dental Practice: General Principles

An Alternative Approach to the Monitoring of Respiration by Dynamic Air-Pressure Sensor

11th International Dental Congress on Modern Pain Control The Essential Role of Dental Anesthesiology in the 21st Century Safe and Comfortable Dentistry 4th–7th October, 2006

JDSA Journal Abstracts