Protective Body Stabilization
Disabled patients frequently have problems
with support, balance, and even aggressive
behavior. Sudden involuntary body movements
such as muscle spasms can be a danger to the
patient and the dental team during treatment.
Severe cases could require sedation or general
anesthesia and hospitalization might then be
appropriate.
In the office, stabilization may be used to make
the patient feel comfortable and secure and allow
for safe and effective delivery of quality care.
Pillows, rolled blankets or towels may be placed
under the patient’s knees and neck to prevent
muscle spasms and provide additional support.
A beanbag chair placed on the dental chair will
conform to the patient’s body while filling the
space between the patient and the dental chair.
To minimize movement a member of the dental
team or caregiver may gently hold the patient’s
arms and/or legs in a comfortable position. A
team member can sit across from the operator
and lightly place their arm across the patient’s
upper body to keep the working field clear. A
child may lay on top of a parent in the dental
chair, with the parent’s arms around the child.
This positioning should be monitored carefully
because the parent can tire and easily lose
control of the child during treatment.
An inexpensive method for stabilization is a bed
sheet wrapped around a patient and secured with
tape that can be easily cut if necessary. This
approach may be less intimidating and even
provide the patient with a sense of security. A
commercially available medical immobilization
device (MID) is illustrated in Figure 7. MIDs may
be used for patients who have extreme spasticity,
increased muscle tension, or severe behavioral
problems. However, this method should not be
considered for routine use.14,
Protective Body StabilizationDisabled patients frequently have problems with support, balance, and even aggressive behavior. Sudden involuntary body movements such as muscle spasms can be a danger to the patient and the dental team during treatment. Severe cases could require sedation or general anesthesia and hospitalization might then be appropriate.In the office, stabilization may be used to make the patient feel comfortable and secure and allow for safe and effective delivery of quality care. Pillows, rolled blankets or towels may be placed under the patient’s knees and neck to prevent muscle spasms and provide additional support. A beanbag chair placed on the dental chair will conform to the patient’s body while filling the space between the patient and the dental chair.To minimize movement a member of the dental team or caregiver may gently hold the patient’s arms and/or legs in a comfortable position. A team member can sit across from the operator and lightly place their arm across the patient’s upper body to keep the working field clear. A child may lay on top of a parent in the dental chair, with the parent’s arms around the child. This positioning should be monitored carefully because the parent can tire and easily lose control of the child during treatment.An inexpensive method for stabilization is a bed sheet wrapped around a patient and secured with tape that can be easily cut if necessary. This approach may be less intimidating and even provide the patient with a sense of security. A commercially available medical immobilization device (MID) is illustrated in Figure 7. MIDs may be used for patients who have extreme spasticity, increased muscle tension, or severe behavioral problems. However, this method should not be considered for routine use.14,
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