EFP Manifesto Complete Guide Today, I’d like to discuss the important clinical practice guidelines provided by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. These guidelines play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes in periodontal care, and they emphasise the need for evidence-based approaches throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of periodontal health. To begin, a comprehensive assessment is vital. Clinicians must conduct detailed evaluations that include probing depths, attachment levels, and radiographic imaging. This thorough evaluation is essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and understanding the extent of periodontal disease. Now, let’s delve into the treatment insights for stages 1 to 3 of periodontal disease. Stage 1, or Initial Periodontitis, is characterised by mild attachment loss and probing depths of 4 mm or less. Here, the primary focus is on non-surgical treatment, primarily through scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning remo...
Why does the anesthetic taste so bitter? Can’t it be flavored like strawberry pie or blubery muffin?
Have you ever wonder, why does the anesthetic taste so bitter? Can’t it be flavored like strawberry pie or blubery muffin? It’s a great question, and you’re certainly not the only one who’s wondered. If you’ve ever experienced that sharp, unpleasant taste during a procedure, rest assured , it’s not being overlooked. Local anesthetics like lidocaine or articaine are specially formulated to block pain by interrupting nerve signals. Their complex chemical structure is what makes them so effective but unfortunately, it also naturally activates your bitter taste receptors. Specifically, the tertiary amine group in lidocaine hydrochloride (HCl) is thought to be responsible for the bitter aftertaste. Changing that structure could reduce their effectiveness or compromise safety. To make things even more challenging, anesthetic solutions also contain stabilizers and preservatives to ensure they remain potent and sterile. These ingredients contribute to the bitter flavor as well. Resear...