180-Wilderness and Expedition Dentistry with Burjor Langdana

This week, we hear from Burjor Langdana, who runs the Wilderness and Expedition Dentistry workshop for CoROM. Burjor discusses the management of dental pain, focusing on assessing sensitivity, identifying causes, and evaluating treatment options. It emphasises the importance of patient care, oral hygiene, and antibiotic use in the management of dental conditions. The discussion also covers cultural considerations and improvisation in emergency situations, providing valuable insights for dental practitioners.

https://wildernessdentistry.com/

Takeaways

Understanding the characteristics of dental sensitivity is crucial.

Location and duration of pain are key indicators.

Aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession and sensitivity.

Clove oil can be effective but should be used cautiously.

Flossing is essential to prevent food buildup and gum irritation.

Antibiotics may be necessary for managing infections.

Improvisation is important in emergency dental care.

Cultural beliefs can impact patient care and treatment acceptance.

Communication with patients about procedures is vital.

Managing expectations regarding treatment outcomes is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Managing Dental Pain

00:57 Understanding Sensitivity: Duration and Location

06:32 Identifying Causes of Sensitivity

12:12 Managing Sensitivity with Home Remedies

12:40 Addressing Food-Related Pain

18:37 Techniques for Filling Cavities

29:11 Improvising Without Instruments

29:39 The Role of Salt Water in Oral Health

34:53 Managing Tooth Pain and Food Impaction

39:06 Understanding Fillings and Their Complications

45:42 Gumboils: Causes and Management

49:48 Skills for Remote Dental Care

56:04 Cultural Sensitivity in Dental Treatment