Our Summary

This research paper talks about the use of adrenaline in dentistry to help control bleeding during and after minor oral surgery. Bleeding can increase in patients who have blood clotting disorders, liver disease, or are on any blood-thinning medication. To manage such situations, medical professionals use haemostatic agents that can stop or control bleeding.

The paper suggests that adrenaline, a hormone that is frequently used in medicine, surgery, and dentistry, can be used topically (applied to the skin) in dentistry. Adrenaline is already used in treatments for severe allergic reactions, CPR, and as a part of local anesthetic agents. It has been shown to improve the visibility for surgeons during ear, nose, and throat surgeries, leading to better results.

The same 1:1000 adrenaline solution can be used in various oral surgeries, such as exposure of canine teeth, removal of third molars (wisdom teeth), root displacement into the antrum (part of the sinus), and periapical surgery (root tip removal). However, in patients with heart-related conditions, its use should be cautious.

The paper concludes that using adrenaline can aid in controlling bleeding and improving visibility during surgery. This can reduce the risk of unintentional damage and bleeding, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes.

FAQs

  1. Can adrenaline be used in oral surgery to minimize bleeding?
  2. What precautions should be taken when using adrenaline in oral surgery for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities?
  3. How does the use of adrenaline improve the outcomes of oral surgical procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. It is also important to inform the surgeon about any medical conditions or medications you are taking, as this can affect the outcome of the surgery. Following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and avoiding certain foods, can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those requiring extractions of impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, or teeth that are causing crowding or impaction. Patients with severe tooth decay or gum disease that cannot be treated with other dental procedures may also be recommended for oral surgery. Additionally, patients with facial trauma, jaw misalignment, or oral infections may require oral surgery for treatment. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as clotting disorders, liver disease, or those taking anticoagulant medications, may need special considerations and precautions when undergoing oral surgery.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, review medical history, and address any concerns or questions.
  2. Preoperative instructions: The patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure and arranging for transportation to and from the appointment.
  3. Anesthesia: The patient is administered local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
  4. Surgery: The oral surgeon performs the necessary procedure, such as tooth extraction, implant placement, or jaw surgery.
  5. Postoperative instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to care for the surgical site, manage pain and swelling, and prevent complications.

After oral surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.
  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient may need to schedule follow-up appointments with the oral surgeon to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary.
  3. Healing: The surgical site will gradually heal over time, with new bone and tissue forming to replace the extracted tooth or repaired area.
  4. Oral hygiene: The patient must maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as gently brushing and flossing around the surgical site and using a medicated mouthwash if prescribed.
  5. Long-term care: The patient may need to follow specific dietary restrictions or avoid certain activities to promote proper healing and prevent complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific oral surgery procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. Will I need to stop taking any medications or supplements before the surgery?
  4. How long will the recovery period be and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of oral surgery?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or post-operative care after the surgery?
  9. What can I do to help speed up the healing process after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or recommendations I should follow before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Aslam RD, Liew J, Besi E. Journal: Br Dent J. 2023 Jul;235(1):29-34. doi: 10.1038/s41415-023-6010-7. Epub 2023 Jul 14. PMID: 37443224