• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.29-30
• /
• 2015

In cleft palate surgery, the environment is especially critical when suturing. Encum-bered, obstructive space in the environment can hinder a suture while using the Dingman mouth gag. We introduced a novel but simple draping technique. A simple hand towel is placed over the gag. A hole is cut out in the middle according to each patient's mouth. After making the hole, the hand towel is soaked in water and gently squeezed. Then the towel is properly placed over the Dingman mouth gag. Dripping water on the hand towel during the suture helps keep it in place. Using this draping technique, we cut 14 minutes of operation time compared to the average operation time of the past 2 years. There were several disadvantages in previous draping method. First, long suture material may easily get caught. Second, the operation field can easily be contaminated. Third, focusing on the operation becomes difficult due to the obstruction. This draping technique can compensate for the disadvantages of the previous Dingman mouth gag.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.102-103
• /
• 2015

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.320-326
• /
• 2016

The fracture of a needle during local anesthesia in dental treatment is rare; however, when it occurs, the needle should be removed without damage to surrounding structures as soon as possible. A fractured needle fragment that is buried in soft tissue would be difficult to remove, and a careful surgical procedure under general anesthesia is recommended in such cases. Children who require dental treatment are often not capable of cooperative behavior, thus unexpected movements can increase the risk of needle fracture. Clinicians can reduce the incidence of needle fracture accidents with a few precautions. In the present case report, we report a case of needle fracture due to abrupt movement during inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia in a young child, with the purpose of drawing attention to needle fracture incidents. This report describes the possible causes and prevention methods of local anesthetic needle fracture, and the localization methods and surgical procedure for needle fragment removal.