Author/Authors :
Chagas e Silva, Mauro Henrique Private Practice, Vic¸osa, MG, Brazil , Santos Coelho, Marcelo Endodontic Department - Faculdade de Odontologia Sao Leopoldo Mandic , Campinas, SP, Brazil , Floriano Lopes Santos, Mariane Department of Clinical Dentistry - Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil , Oliveira de Lima, Carolina Department of Clinical Dentistry - Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil , Neiva Campos, Celso Department of Clinical Dentistry - Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
Abstract :
Gag reflex is a physiologic mechanism that promotes contraction of the muscles of the tongue and pharyngeal walls. Different
factors, including intraoral radiographic films and sensors, may trigger this reflex. Patients with severe gag reflex may not be able
to tolerate the presence of intraoral radiographic films or sensors during root canal therapy (RCT). This factor may prevent an
appropriate intraoral radiograph, which is important in RCT. Different approaches have been used to facilitate dental procedures in
patients suffering from severe gag reflex. The use of an extraoral radiographic technique is an alternative method to obtain working
length confirmation in patients with severe gag reflex. In this report of 2 cases, the use of an extraoral radiographic technique as an
alternative approach during RCT in patients with severe gag reflex associated with phobic behavior and trismus was successfully
demonstrated.
