Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 2 anesthetic agents on patients' postoperative pain perception after periodontal surgery. For this parallel-group, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial, 36 open flap debridement surgeries were performed on patients who presented with periodontal disease with clinical signs of inflammation after nonsurgical treatment on at least 1 quadrant. Patients were allocated to 1 of the following groups: group 1, 2% lidocaine with 1 ∶ 100,000 epinephrine; group 2, 2% mepivacaine with 1 ∶ 100,000 norepinephrine. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale during the first 8 hours after surgery. All patients received 750-mg acetaminophen tablets, which they were instructed to take as a rescue medication if necessary. The results demonstrated that postoperative pain intensity was statistically lower in group 2 than in group 1 at the 1-, 2-, and 3-hour periods after surgery, although the pain intensity for all groups could be considered mild. In conclusion, patients in both groups reported similar mild pain after periodontal surgery.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess injection flow rates of metal syringes, with an emphasis on injection speed and the generation of flow pulsations. A cohort of 64 operators (32 practitioners and 32 students) performed 3 consecutive ex vivo simulated injections (SIs) of 1.8-mL cartridges of anesthetic solution. Two needle diameters were tested (27-gauge and 30-gauge). Each SI was filmed and analyzed using a computer. In most cases, the SI lasted longer than 60 seconds with the 30-gauge needle (75%) but not with the 27-gauge needle (47.9%) (P < .0001). Practitioners and men delivered a full cartridge significantly faster than students and women, respectively (P = .0007 in both cases). All operators generated 1 pulse in at least 1 of the 3 SIs with both types of needles, especially during the first 3 seconds (254/384; 66.1%). Pulses occurred more frequently with practitioners (P = .0176) and with the 27-gauge needle (P = .005). Within its methodological limits, the present study showed how difficult it is to control injection pressure when using a metal syringe, especially at the beginning of the injection. Computerized systems may help overcome this problem.

Abstract

The bispectral index (BIS) monitor records electroencephalogram waveforms and provides an objective measure of the hypnotic effect of a sedative drug on brain activity. The aim of this pilot study was to use the BIS monitor to evaluate the depth of procedural sedation in pediatric dental patients and to assess if the BIS monitor readings correlate with a validated pediatric sedation scale, the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS), in determining the level of sedation in these patients. Thirty-five pediatric dental patients requiring sedation were studied prospectively. A baseline BIS reading was obtained and during the procedure an independent observer recorded the BIS every 5 minutes. The operator, who was blinded to the BIS results, determined the UMSS scale at the same 5-minute interval. The patients were monitored postoperatively for 1 hour. There was a significant but moderate correlation between BIS values and UMSS scores (Spearman's rank correlation r = −0.574, P < .0001). Percentage of agreement and kappa coefficient using all the observations were also calculated. The percentage of agreement was 37.8%, the kappa coefficient was 0.18 (P < .0001), and the weighted kappa coefficient 0.26 (P < .0001). A lack of correlation was noted between the deeper levels of UMSS sedation scores and BIS values. This study demonstrated a significant correlation between BIS values and the UMSS score in pediatric dental patients undergoing mild to moderate sedation. Based on our results, it appears that the BIS monitor may be useful during mild or moderate sedations to establish the level of sedation objectively without the need to stimulate the patient.

Wong A, Subar P, Witherell H, Ovodov KJ: Reducing Nasopharyngeal Trauma: The Urethral Catheter–Assisted Nasotracheal Intubation Technique. Anesth Prog 2011;58:26–30.

The job title and degrees for Allen Wong were stated incorrectly. The correct information is as follows:

Allen Wong, DDS, EdD, Associate Professor, Director of Hospital Dentistry, Department of Dental Practice, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California.

Allen Press apologizes for this error.

The Cost of Learning From Our Mistakes

Efficacy of Anesthetic Agents to Delay Pain Onset After Periodontal Surgery

Abstract

Administration of Anesthetics Using Metal Syringes. An Ex Vivo Study

Abstract

Bispectral Index Monitoring of Sedation Depth in Pediatric Dental Patients

Abstract

A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Comparison of a Novel Formulation of Intravenous Diclofenac and Ketorolac for Postoperative Third Molar Extraction Pain

Abstract

Recognition and Management of Complications During Moderate and Deep Sedation Part 1: Respiratory Considerations

Abstract

Continuing Education Program

JDSA Abstracts

Memorial: IFDAS Pioneer Member Professor Emeritus Yasuya Kubota 1928–2010

Erratum

The Temporo-Masseteric Nerve Block (TMNB) for Alleviating Acute Postextraction Masticatory Myalgia: A Case Series

Time Limits for Anesthesia in Dentistry?

Book Review

Obtaining Written Informed Consent for the Administration of Local Anesthetics in Dentistry in 2024, a 20-Year Follow-Up Study

Local Perfusion Failure Caused by the Incorrect Attachment of an SpO₂ Sensor During General Anesthesia