The effect of epinephrine on pulpal microcirculation.

The effect of epinephrine (Epi) on the microcirculation of the pulp and its neuropharmacological mechanism has been established, as well as the existence of alpha adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels of the pulp. In addition, our results showed that local injections of Epi at doses greater than 10(-8) M produced an extreme drop in intrapulpal pressure (IPP). This effect was not obtained when Epi was injected intravenously.

Preoperative flurbiprofen in oral surgery: a method of choice in controlling postoperative pain.

The analgesic efficacy of a single 50-mg preoperative dose of flurbiprofen was compared with ACC-30 (aspirin 375 mg, codeine 30 mg, caffeine 30 mg) and a placebo. Forty patients scheduled for the surgical removal of impacted maxillary third molars were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized study. Using a within-subject design we compared the analgesic efficacy of (1) preoperative flurbiprofen 50 mg with placebo in 20 patients, and (2) preoperative ACC-30 with placebo in 20 other patients. Using a between-group design, we then compared the analgesic efficacy of (3) each drug given preoperatively and postoperatively, and (4) each drug given postoperatively only. Patients rated 2 pain dimensions, intensity and unpleasantness, hourly for 8 hours after the presurgical dose. The results of this study indicate that better analgesia was obtained when flurbiprofen was given preoperatively compared to only after surgery. Conversely, preoperative administration of ACC-30 did not demonstrate any significant influence on postsurgical analgesia. When comparing the 2 drugs, flurbiprofen proved to be superior in providing pain relief only when it was given prior to surgery. There was no difference between them when given only after surgery. Side effects were moderate and not significantly different between patients receiving flurbiprofen and those receiving ACC-30.

[Infection transmission: an infallible protection system]. / Transmission de l'infection: un systéme de protection infaillible.

The control of the transmission of infection has always been a preoccupation of members of the dental team. However, the sudden appearance of new infectious diseases has made everyone more conscientious and has resulted in the development of new methods of control. This article details such a method, namely, the I.M.S. system. It consists of a series of simple operations which allows for the cleaning, rinsing, drying, packaging, sterilization and storage of small instruments and all of this without manipulation once the process is undertaken.

[Allergy has no age]. / L'allergie n'a pas d'âge.

Even though allergic reactions to local anesthesia are rare and even more so among elderly people, the present case demonstrates that a medication can be tolerated for a significant period of time before causing an accident. This illustrative case details the true nature of complications observed following local anesthesia and suggests a way of approaching the same to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. This method consists of a rigorous analysis of the clinical manifestations and allergologic testing. Local anesthesia is indispensable for both the dentist and the patient and anyone with allergies is at risk at being allergic to general anesthesia as well.