Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 195, 129 - 133 (2003)
Published online: 9 August 2003 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4810395
Verifiable CPD paper:
General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners Part 6: The endocrine system
- Diabetic patients should be treated first on a treatment session so that the start time is predictable. Hypoglycaemia must be avoided and presents more quickly than hyperglycaemia. A physician should be consulted if a general anaesthetic is being considered.
- Thyroid disease may present as a goitre. Thyroid function should be stabilised before a general anaesthetic is used.
- Oral contraceptives may predispose to thromboembolism and their action may be impaired by some antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
- In pregnancy essential treatment should be carried out in the second trimester when possible.
- Acromegaly may be associated with headaches, visual loss, diabetes and hypertension.
General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners:
- Cardiovascular system
- Respiratory system
- Gastrointestinal system
- Neurological disorders
- Liver disease
- The endocrine system
- Renal disorders
- Musculoskeletal system
- Haematology and patients with bleeding problems
- The paediatric patient
Abstract
The endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones that may exert their effects at distant sites. Widespread problems may result when there is derangement of the system. Disorders may have a bearing on the management of a dental patient either in terms of the treatment itself or the provision of a specific method of anaesthesia.
- Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Dental School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE 4BW
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Dental School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE 4BW
Correspondence to: M Greenwood1 e-mail: beryl.leggatt@ncl.ac.uk