title: Evaluating complications during intraoral administration of local anesthetics in a rural, portable special needs dental clinic.
abstract: The aim of this study was to identify and quantify complications with local anesthetic administration on consecutive patients seen for dental care in a portable dental clinic providing care to patients with special needs. This prospective study includes data on the patients seen by the portable dental team. A standardized form is used to determine complications and associated information for 172 dental visits in which local anesthetic is administered. After statistical analysis of 172 consecutive cases, the overall complication rate is 8.1%. All of the complications are considered to be mild or moderate; there are no reports of severe events. The complications encountered most frequently are associated with self-inflicted soft tissue injury or inadequate anesthesia. Comprehensive care with local anesthesia delivered by a portable dental clinic has a low risk of complication. The administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block or body-mass status appears to affect the incidence of complications.
authors.affiliation: Care South Carolina, Division of Dental Medicine, 737 S. Main St. Society Hill, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boynes
authors.forename: Amah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milbee
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019035:Rural Health Services
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local
keywords: community health; complications; dentistry; local anesthesia; patients with special healthcare needs