Dental Nursing Anxiety Management

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Questions and Answers

What is one method to help prevent retching in anxious patients during dental procedures?

Instructing the patient to breathe through the nose (correct)

Encouraging deep mouth breathing

Positioning the patient flat on their back

Using a larger impression tray

How should the dental chair be adjusted for a patient?

Tilted forward to ease anxiety

Positioned upright for comfort (correct)

Leaning slightly back to promote relaxation

Lowered to allow better visibility for the nurse

Why are close-fitting special trays preferred over spaced trays for impressions?

They are more comfortable for the patient

They are less bulky and better tolerated (correct)

They provide a more accurate impression of the teeth

They are easier to place in the mouth

What is a recommended approach when taking impressions to reassure the patient?

Taking the lower impression first Signup and view all the answers

What role does the dental nurse have in managing patient anxiety?

Creating a calming environment and offering reassurance Signup and view all the answers

How should impression material be managed during procedures?

Kept minimal to the necessary amounts required Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a saliva ejector during dental procedures?

To manage excessive saliva accumulation Signup and view all the answers

Which breathing technique is mentioned as ineffective for preventing retching?

Mouth breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient deficiencies have been associated with burning mouth syndrome (BMS)?

Iron and Vitamin B complex Signup and view all the answers

What is a common systemic cause associated with BMS that can lead to complete resolution of symptoms?

Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is considered an irritant implicated in burning mouth syndrome?

Regular use of mouthwashes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of xerostomia in relation to burning mouth syndrome?

It exacerbates symptoms related to other irritants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hormonal factors and BMS is accurate?

Climacteric is relatively unimportant as a causative factor. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of BMS patients showed deficiencies in folic acid?

6% Signup and view all the answers

How common is hypersensitivity to denture base polymer in BMS patients?

Rare and usually results in local symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of BMS patients were found to have low blood levels of vitamins B1 and B6?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the psychological disorders commonly associated with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)?

Cancerophobia Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease experience BMS?

24% Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can induce mucosal irritation in BMS patients?

Parafunctional activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the management process for BMS?

Provisional diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome for approximately two-thirds of BMS patients after treatment?

Cure or significant improvement Signup and view all the answers

What can spontaneous remissions in refractory BMS cases occur due to?

No apparent reason Signup and view all the answers

What impact can complete dentures have on a patient's speech?

They can modify articulation and resonance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a part of the management process for BMS?

Radiation therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant demographic for those seeking treatment for burning mouth syndrome?

Women aged approximately 60 years Signup and view all the answers

Which area is less commonly affected by burning mouth syndrome compared to the tongue?

Lower denture-bearing tissues Signup and view all the answers

What psychological issue may develop in patients with burning mouth syndrome due to multiple professionals stating the mouth appears normal?

Cancerophobia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of burning mouth syndrome describes patients experiencing symptoms that become worse as the day progresses?

Type 1 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of burning mouth syndrome patients fall into Type 2, where burning is present on waking and persists throughout the day?

55% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of burning mouth syndrome?

Pain while chewing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception patients may have regarding their burning mouth syndrome symptoms?

Symptoms are entirely psychological Signup and view all the answers

Which region is considered a less common site for burning mouth syndrome symptoms?

Lips Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can result from excessive palatal thickening in the canine region?

Impaired production of certain English sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which sounds are most notably affected by contact between the lower lip and incisal edges of the upper anterior teeth?

/f/ and /v/ Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to occur if the posterior contact surfaces are too far from the resting position of the tongue?

Impairment of speech and lateral sigmatism Signup and view all the answers

What relationship exists between the mandible and maxilla during the production of sounds such as /s/ and /z/?

The mandible moves closest to the maxilla with minimal gap Signup and view all the answers

How does palatal thickness affect the articulation of English consonants?

It can hinder tongue movement and consonant production Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may arise if the occlusal vertical dimension is too great?

Teeth may come into contact causing clattering Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sounds requires specific contact of the tongue with posterior teeth?

/th/, /t/, and /d/ Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the posterior teeth are placed too far buccally?

It can impede the ability to create lateral seals for sounds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Reassurance and Positioning

It is vital to reassure anxious patients to facilitate relaxation, both mentally and physically.
The dental chair should be adjusted for comfortable upright seating during procedures.

Breathing Techniques

Instruct patients to breathe through their nose to minimize retching while taking impressions.
Nasal breathing keeps the soft palate stationary and protects the nasopharynx.

Impression Techniques

Utilize well-fitting, close-fitting trays for better tolerance and reduced bulkiness.
Take lower impressions first, as patients typically find them easier and more reassuring.
Prepare impression material discreetly and minimize the amount used to avoid discomfort.
Implement a saliva ejector if excessive saliva accumulates in the mouth.

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

BMS affects 5-7% of adults, predominantly women around 60 years old.
Symptoms typically localize to the tongue and upper denture-bearing tissues while the oral mucosa appears normal.
Patients often feel isolated due to the normal appearance of oral tissues.

BMS Classification

Type 1: Symptoms begin after waking and worsen throughout the day; includes patients with deficiencies and denture design issues (33%).
Type 2: Burning sensation persists from waking throughout the day; associated with chronic anxiety (55%).
Type 3: Symptom-free days occur with burning in unusual sites; may involve fluctuating symptoms.

Causative Factors for BMS

No established link between Candida albicans and BMS; smoking and certain mouthwashes might exacerbate symptoms.
Nutritional deficiencies, especially iron, folic acid, and vitamin B complex, have been implicated.
Endocrine factors, though previously highlighted as significant, are now considered less important.

Xerostomia and Drug Effects

Dry mouth can intensify BMS symptoms, often exacerbated by medications affecting salivary flow.
Reduced parotid gland function has been associated with BMS.

Management and Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of BMS can be complex and time-consuming.
Initial assessment leads to provisional diagnosis and treatment; finding local irritants is crucial.
About two-thirds of patients may report improvement or resolution of symptoms; some may remain resistant to treatment.

Impact on Speech

Complete dentures may interfere with speech by altering articulation and resonance.
Sounds produced with the tongue contacting the palate or teeth can be affected by the position of denture teeth.
High occlusal vertical dimension can lead to teeth clashing or impede proper tongue movement, resulting in speech difficulties.

Importance of Follow-Up

Continuous treatment evaluation is essential for effective management.
Some patients experience spontaneous remission despite treatment challenges, highlighting the multifactorial nature of BMS.

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Description

This quiz explores methods for reassuring anxious dental patients and techniques for creating a calming environment during procedures. Key aspects include patient positioning and breathing instructions. Test your knowledge on best practices to support patient relaxation.