Propofol for Office Oral and Maxillofacial Anesthesia: The Case Against Low-Dose Ketamine

Repair and remodeling of the mandibular head of the condylar process in four immature dogs

Spontaneous repair and remodeling of the mandibular head of the condylar process is a rarely reported outcome following condylectomy. This clinical report describes the spontaneous repair and subsequent remodeling of the mandibular head of the condylar process in four immature dogs that sustained traumatic injuries, necessitating surgical intervention through arthroplasty via partial or complete condylectomy, or caudal mandibulectomy. In subsequent evaluations, it was observed that all dogs exhibited clinically functional TMJs, as evidenced by an appropriate range of motion. These findings were corroborated by the owners' reports of the patient's normal eating and drinking abilities. Conventional and cone-beam computed tomography studies demonstrated the repair and remodeling of the osseous tissues of the mandibular head of the condylar process. Histopathology was unavailable to assess the novel tissues. No evidence of intraarticular or extraarticular ankylosis or osteoarthritic changes was observed.

Effects of the addition of low-dose ketamine to propofol anesthesia in the dental procedure for intellectually disabled patients

Background

This study aimed to examine whether the combination of low-dose ketamine and propofol in deep sedation is clinically useful in controlling the behavior in intellectually disabled patients who are typically extremely noncooperative during dental procedures.

Methods

A total of 107 extremely noncooperative intellectually disabled adult patients were analyzed. In all patients, deep sedation was performed using either propofol alone (group P) or using a combination of propofol and 0.2 mg/kg or 0.4 mg/kg ketamine (groups PK0.2 and PK0.4, respectively). The procedures were performed in the order of insertion of nasal cannula into the nostril, attachment of mouth gag, and mouth cleaning and scaling. The frequency of patient movement during the procedures, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, recovery time, discharge time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were examined.

Results

The three groups were significantly different only in the frequency of patient movement upon stimulation during single intravenous injection of propofol and scaling.

Conclusion

For propofol deep sedation, in contrast to intravenous injection of propofol alone, prior intravenous injection of low-dose ketamine (0.4 mg/kg) is clinically useful because it neither affects recovery, nor causes side effects and can suppress patient movement and vascular pain during procedures.

Anesthetic Agents Commonly Used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a variety of anesthetic agents that can be used to provide anesthesia safely and efficiently in the office-based environment. However, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the particulars for each agent. Commonly used anesthetic agents, administered either individually or in combination, include diazepam, midazolam, propofol, ketamine, opioid agonists such as fentanyl or remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, and inhalational agents, including nitrous oxide and sevoflurane. These agents help provide extreme flexibility for those creating an individualized anesthetic plan that also balances the patient's history and the anticipated surgical plan to maximize success.