Management of traumatic facial injuries.

Whether minor or major, traumatic injuries to the maxillofacial area have far-reaching physical and emotional effects. Because the dentition dictates facial form and function, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a dental specialist with a minimum of four years of hospital-based surgical training, is uniquely qualified to manage these injuries. At times, the expertise of the general dentist and other dental specialists may be needed to provide definitive care.

Orthognathic surgery: diagnosis and treatment of dentofacial deformities.

Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery is indicated for patients with a malocclusion caused by a skeletal deformity. This paper will discuss current concepts in patient evaluation and review contemporary surgical treatment.

Pediatric oral conscious sedation.

As the young indigent population of this state grows, access to dental care continues to be a problem. Studies show that children from poor families suffer from a higher caries rate than those from a higher socioeconomic class. The management of pain and anxiety with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in the young, precooperative patient, can be a significant adjunct to the delivery of dentistry.

An overview of outpatient sedation and general anesthesia for dental care in California.

This paper reviews the principal pharmacologic interventions for the management of pain and anxiety in the apprehensive dental patient, including oral sedation, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia.