Evaluation of precautions adopted by dental surgeon using local anaesthesia

There were 62 surgeons consisting of 38 (61.3%) males and 24 (38.7%) were females. Thirty-one (50%) were from private and state government owned clinics while the rest were from teaching hospitals. Thirty-three (53.2%) were dental house surgeons, senior dental house surgeons and dental officers, while 29 (46.8%) were within the rank of registrar and senior dental officer, senior registrar, principal dental officer and consultant. Six (9.7%) use aspirating syringe all the time. 11 (17.7%) use aspirating syringe occasionally and 45 (72.6%) use non aspirating syringe. All the surgeons wear facemasks and latex gloves. On the replacement of the needle guard after injection, 58 (93.5%) indicated that the needle is first inserted into the needle guard and then secure 4 while 4 (6.5%) pick-up the guard with their fingers, place it over the needle and secure the guard. Eight (12.9%) indicated that the maximum dose of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline 1:80,000 is 7 mg/kg body weight or less, 5 (8.1%) indicated 10 mg/kg body weight, while 49 (79.0%) did not complete this section. On the maximum number of 1.8 ml cartridges, all the surgeons indicated that the maximum is 12 or fewer cartridges. This study revealed that the risk of intravascular injection is high. Although of the most dental surgeons take necessary precautions to avoid complications arising from the use of local anaesthetics, there is a need for total compliance in view of fatal complications that may ensue. It also underscores the need for continuous dental education program to update practitioners.