Dentists increasingly use articaine 

An interesting article titled “Survey investigation of articaine use in the United States,” written by Robert D. Bowers and et. al. appears in the the Journal of the American Dental Association (published Oct. 2023). The article conducted a study to expand the knowledge of local anesthesia practices of dentists in the U.S. with a specific focus on influencing factors regarding articaine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of articaine in 2000 and dental use of articaine has grown over the years. In 2017, it was estimated that estimate about 40% of the total U.S. dental local anesthetic market was for articaine. However, articaine has a 4% concentration which has led some to question its safety. Past studies have shown that higher concentrated local anesthetics like articaine can lead to increased risk of dental paresthesia. To study the use … Read more

How Often Do Problems Occur with Dental Sedation in Children

An interesting article titled “Assessing the safety of deep sedation in outpatient pediatric oral health care,” written by Henal Alpesh Gandhi and et. al. appears in the Journal of the American Dental Association (2023). The article assesses the safety of deep sedation supported care with pediatric dental treatment carried out in an outpatient setting. It is estimated that in the US, 100,000 through 250,000 cases of pediatric dental procedures with sedation occur each year. Most of the cases of among kids 3 to 5 years old. Children are predisposed to deep sedation and d general anesthesia related respiratory problems because of age-related variations in anatomy and physiology. Some of the reasons children need deep sedation for dental health care include extent of dental disease and amount of treatment needed,limited ability of the child to cooperate, and intent to protect the … Read more

Tragedy in Southern Manitoba Canada: Young Woman Dies Following Dental Procedure

A heartbreaking incident has occurred in southern Manitoba Canada, where a 23-year-old woman tragically passed away following a routine dental appointment. The Manitoba Dental Association confirmed the news stating that the woman, residing in the Morden-Winkler area, experienced a medical emergency during the procedure on November 27th. Despite being transported to the hospital immediately, the young woman sadly passed to her condition. Investigation Underway The Manitoba Dental Association has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The association’s president, emphasized their commitment to uncovering the facts. The specific nature of the dental procedure or whether anesthesia was involved was not disclosed yet in this case. It was however confirmed that information is being gathered from both the dental clinic and the Southern Regional Health Authority. Rare but Serious While deaths following dental procedures are thankfully rare, … Read more

Family of Teen who Died During Wisdom Teeth Removal in Washington State Files Lawsuit

What should have been a routine wisdom tooth removal tragically ended in the death of 17-year-old male. The oral surgeon, allegedly failed to recognize and properly respond to a common anesthesia-related complication, leading to the teens death in June of 2024 . On December 9th 2024, the parents of the deceased teen filed a lawsuit against the oral surgeon in Washington state, alleging medical malpractice and negligence. “Double Duty” Surgery Raises Concerns: The lawsuit claims that the oral surgeon acted as both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist during the procedure, a practice that increases the risk of complications. “With almost all surgeries, it is standard practice for anesthesia to be administered by someone devoting their full attention to the patient,” stated one of the lawyers, representing the family. “When a surgeon splits their jobs to double their profits, it opens … Read more

Woman dies after wisdom tooth extraction in Brazil

A 23 year old woman in Brazil had wisdom teeth extracted on May 10, 2023 in Brazil. Two days later she returned to the dental clinic complaining about pain at the extraction site. After being evaulated at the clinic the woman was sent home. The next day her pain continued and she sought care at a local Emergency Room. The woman was discharged. The woman’s pain continued and she went back to the Emergency Room the next day and was again discharged. On May 15, 2023, the woman returned to see her dentist and the dentist referred her to a Hospital. The woman was found to have an acute facial infection and a dental abscess in the location where the wisdom tooth was extracted. The woman was given medication to help with her infection. Unfortunately two days later the woman … Read more