Managing Gag Reflex during Removable Partial Denture Treatment: A Review and a Clinical Report

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral health
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• A gag reflex is a common involuntary response during dental procedures.
• Hypersensitive gag reflexes can complicate treatment and lead to poor outcomes.
• Dental phobia can arise from negative gag reflex experiences, causing treatment delays.

Observation:

• A case report of a partially edentulous patient with an exaggerated gag reflex.
• Focus on clinical management strategies for managing gagging during dental care.
• Evaluation of a simple table salt technique for gag reflex control.

Findings:

• The table salt technique, combined with appropriate prosthesis design, proved effective in managing the patient's exaggerated gag reflex.
• Successful completion of critical clinical stages was achieved, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
• The patient's experience highlights the potential for non-invasive methods in managing gagging.

Implications:

• This approach offers a simple, cost-effective solution for managing hypersensitive gag reflexes in dental patients.
• Improved patient comfort and reduced dental anxiety can lead to better treatment adherence.
• The findings suggest broader applicability of the table salt technique in managing gagging during various dental procedures.