Dental Block For Lip Filler
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Hey there, friends! How are you doing? Today, let’s talk about a topic that might make some of us feel a bit nervous – hematoma. If you’re a new practitioner or not familiar with this condition, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss what hematoma is, how to prevent it, and what to do if it occurs. So, let’s dive right in!
What is Hematoma?
Hematoma is a complication that can occur when a blood vessel gets injured, resulting in blood effusion and the accumulation of blood in the surrounding tissues. This leads to the formation of a hard swelling, which we call a hematoma. While hematoma can occur in any part of the body where blood vessels are injured, today we will focus on oral hematoma, specifically related to the administration of local anesthesia.
How Does Hematoma Happen?
When we give an injection to a patient, there is a chance of hematoma if we accidentally inject the solution into a vein without aspirating it first. This can cause a hard swelling to appear in the patient’s mouth, either intraoral or extraoral. The most frequently affected area is the posterior alveolar nerve block (PSA), followed by the inferior alveolar nerve block and mental nerve block.
Preventing Hematoma
To avoid hematoma, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the anatomy and technique of the region you are working on. Knowing where to give the injection and how to give it is crucial. Additionally, minimizing the number of needle penetrations and performing aspiration before depositing the solution can significantly reduce the risk of hematoma. Remember, always discard the syringe if there is a positive aspiration (blood in the syringe) and use a new one.
Managing Hematoma
If hematoma occurs, there are a few steps you can take to manage it. Apply pressure to the site of the hematoma and use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Avoid any dental procedures until the pain and symptoms subside. Advising the patient to use an ice pack for the next 24 hours is recommended. Prescribing analgesics and, if necessary, antibiotics to prevent infection is also essential. It’s important to inform the patient that hematoma takes time to heal, usually one to four weeks, as the blood gradually dissolves. The hematoma may change color from bluish to brown or yellowish before fully recovering.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most hematomas can be managed with the mentioned steps, if the hematoma is unusually large or other complications arise, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Remember, it’s better to be safe and consult a healthcare professional when necessary.
So, that wraps up our discussion on hematoma. Remember, being aware of its causes, prevention, and management is key. If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. If you have any topics you’d like us to cover in future videos, please leave a comment below. And before you go, make sure to subscribe to our channel and turn on the notification bell to stay updated on our latest content. Take care, and see you soon in another exciting video!