Protocol for management of pregnant patients requiring emergency minor oral surgical procedures: a prospective study in 52 patients.

Objectives: Dental or maxillofacial emergencies are uncommon during pregnancy, but if they occur, they are challenging to treat due to potential risks. The mother should not be denied necessary medical or dental care because of pregnancy. The aim of the study is to observe outcomes of pregnancy in patients requiring emergency minor oral surgical procedures during gestation and to determine the safety of the pregnant woman undergoing the procedure and the fetus. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 52 pregnant women requiring emergency oral surgical procedures. A standard treatment protocol for treatment of specific entities was followed. Close monitoring and observation were the primary goal of treatment. All patients were followed postoperatively until complete recovery from the surgical procedures and then until birth of the baby. A control group of 52 healthy pregnant patients who did not require oral surgical procedures was considered for statistical analysis. The measurements to calculate observation were fetal loss (spontaneous abortion), preterm birth, low-birth weight, or incidence of any congenital anomalies in the baby and its association with surgical procedures. Results: No fetal loss occurred in any of the cases. However, four patients experienced preterm birth and seven neonates exhibited low birth weights. No congenital abnormalities were discovered. In one instance, a patient who underwent surgery for a mandibular symphysis fracture under general anesthesia in the 31st week of pregnancy experienced labor pain on the fourth postoperative day, requiring an emergency Caesarean section. Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate that, compared to the control group, minor emergency surgeries performed during pregnancy have no discernible negative effects on the fetus. These procedures can safely be performed by adhering to our described protocols.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid in prevention of alveolar osteitis following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar.

Context: Many preventive measures are described to avoid alveolar osteitis (AO) during third molar surgery (TMS), but very few are found to be effective. Tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic agent, impedes the proteolytic degradation of fibrin and prevents blood clot disintegration. Aims: The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of intra-alveolar application of TA soaked in Gelfoam in prevention of AO. Settings and Design: This was a randomized control trial. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 patients (100 in control group and 100 in study group) reporting for TMS were allocated randomly. Following surgery, TA soaked in gel foam was placed in socket and sutured in the study group, while in the control group, closure was done by suturing. Patients followed subsequently to observe the incidence of AO, pain severity, and duration of healing after AO. Statistical Analysis: Z-test, Mann-Whitney test, and t-test were applied, respectively, to compare the incidence of AO, severity of pain, and duration of healing between the two groups. Results: The incidence of AO in the control group was 18% and 6% in the study group. Patients in the control group experienced severe pain as compared to patients in the study group. The duration of healing varied from 12 to 16 days in the control group, but in the study group, it was <10 days. Conclusion: TA significantly reduces the incidence of AO in addition to the reduced severity of pain and enhanced healing. We recommend the routine use of TA, owing to its astonishing rewards.

Acute cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetes and hypertension: management consideration for minor oral surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Medically compromised patients often fear required dental surgical procedures that can increase the risk of medical emergency when combined with reduced tolerance for stress. A stress reduction protocol (SRP) helps doctors minimize treatment-related stress and improves patient management with minimum complications. Diabetes and co-morbid hypertension carry 4-fold risk of aggravation of cardiovascular emergencies and 7.2-fold risk of mortality. Diabetic neuropathy can result in difficult diagnosis of myocardial infarction and reduces chances of surviving a myocardial infarction compared with a non-diabetic person. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a protocol for management of patients having both diabetes and hypertension who required minor oral surgery to minimize the rate of cardiovascular emergencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 140 patients having both diabetes and hypertension who required minor oral surgical procedures. A systematic approachable protocol was designed for management of such patients. RESULTS: Among 140 patients, 6 patients (4.3%) had cardiovascular complications, while 3 patients (1 with syncope and 2 with hypertension) did not require any intervention other than observation. Two patients were managed with aspirin and nitroglycerin, and 1 patient had possible myocardial infarction (overall incidence 0.7%) with chest pain, S-T segment elevation on electrocardiogram, and troponin level of 0.60 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: The proposed protocol helps to improve management of patients having both diabetes and hypertension. We recommend that patients with uncontrolled diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension and/or patients having history of cardiovascular complication should be treated in a medical facility with a readily available cardiology unit. This facilitates prompt response to emergency and instant implementation of treatment, helping to reduce morbidity and mortality.