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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · European Journal of General Dentistry 2017; 6(01): 18-21
DOI: 10.4103/2278-9626.198602
Original Article

The role of acupuncture in the treatment of prosthodontic patients with a gagging reflex

Authors

  • Raghad Hashim

    Department of Growth and Development, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE

  • Reem Shaltoni

    Department of Growth and Development, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE

  • Luma Kamal

    Department of Growth and Development, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE

  • Faten Khanfar

    Department of Growth and Development, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
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Abstract

Aim and Objectives: Hyperactive gag reflex (GR) can be a big obstacle in certain dental procedures especially in making an upper arch impression. Treating those might be a challenge for both the dentist and the patient. Many patients withdraw from treatment because of their inability to cope with the procedure. One of the effective modalities in controlling this phenomenon is the use of Acupuncture. In this trial, Ear acupuncture was used aiming to control hyperactive GR during upper alginate impression. Methods: A total of ten patients aged between 20 and 60 years, with a history of GR on taking dental impressions were selected to be part of this clinical trial. All patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria had an upper dental alginate impression taken (or an attempt made at it) before acupuncture and a second upper alginate impression taken immediately after acupuncture based on traditional Chinese medicine. The gagging severity index used to assess GR before insertion of the acupuncture needle while gagging prevention index was used after the acupuncture and impression taking. Results: Seven patients scored I with the reflex obtunded and the impression taking carried out successfully, one patient scored II with the reflex partially controlled and impression taking still possible, two patients scored III with the reflex partially controlled but with frequent gagging and impression taking still possible. No adverse effects were observed, and patients were fit to leave unescorted. Conclusions: Ear acupuncture was found to be effective in controlling GR in all ten participants in different levels.

Keywords

Anti-gagging point - ear acupuncture - impression


Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
01. November 2021

© 2017. European Journal of General Dentistry. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.)

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