Patient with ulceration Flashcards
What to do if patient has ulcer?
First check if they are dehydrated
Severe = emergency care
Not severe = urgent medical care
What if pt not dehydrated?
Has ulcer been present for more than 3 weeks?
If yes, urgent care
If no, is it the first time ulcer has been here?
What if first/not first time ulcer was present?
Not first time = further investigation into other causes needed. Advise analgesia and chlorhexadine. Non urgent dental care.
If new = are they on medication or have underlying condition related to ulceration?
Yes/no on meds or relevant MH
Yes = advise optimal analgesia and urgent medical care
No = single ulcer?
Is it a single ulcer?
Yes = have they had previous treatment or orthodontic appliance causing?
No = are they systemically unwell? - yes, analgesia, no - further assessment
If it is a swingle ulcer and has appliance
Analgesia for loose appliance or dentures, with use of wax. Use chlorhexadine.
No appliance?
Ulcer and treatment, but no appliance?
LA can cause trauma to anaesthetised tissues, so this can be cause.
If no LA, then advise optimal analgesia and chlorhexadine, recheck 7 days.
