Oral Surgery and Extractions
Core Concepts
Oral surgery encompasses extractions, surgical removal of teeth, and management of complications. Candidates must understand indications for extraction, preoperative assessment (medical history, radiographs), surgical techniques (forceps, elevators, surgical extraction), and postoperative care. Key concepts include local anesthesia, hemostasis, wound closure, and management of impacted teeth. Also, knowledge of complications (e.g., dry socket, hemorrhage, nerve injury) and their management is essential.
Common Traps
Questions often test the correct sequence for a surgical extraction: anesthesia, incision, flap reflection, bone removal, tooth sectioning, extraction, debridement, and suturing. Another trap is the management of a bleeding socket: apply pressure with gauze, consider hemostatic agents, and suture if necessary. Also, be clear on the indications for antibiotic prophylaxis and the signs of infection.
Worked Example / Rule of Thumb
A patient on warfarin requires an extraction. Check INR; if within therapeutic range (typically <3.5), proceed with local measures to control bleeding. Rule of thumb: always obtain a thorough medical history and consider consulting the patient's physician for anticoagulant management.