DENTAL COMPLCATIONS IN PATIENT WHO RECIEVED ELECTROCONVULSIVETHERAPY: REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Objective: To review the complications associated with tooth and intraoral organs in patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and strategies to protect and avoid dental and intraoral organs in these patients.

Material and Method: Literature searching was aimed for dental and oral injuries associated with ECT from PubMed, google scholar and textbooks including published articles. Articles were mainly focused on the ECT associated dental and oral complications.

Results: Few articles focused on ECT associated dental and oral injuries are found. ECT is definitely a good choice for psychiatric patient management. Although anesthetic management is delivered to the patients during ECT, the dental and oral injuries are still common in psychiatric patient, the reasons may be linked to their poor oral hygiene and severe periodontal disease, leading to tooth mobility and avulsion during the procedure. Nowadays, the aesthetic dentistry and dental implant are so common, therefore serious dental complications in these patients may lead to close claims for compensation or other legal redress. Dental and oral assessment should be preformed prior to ECT including wearing the mouth guard in every single patient needing such procedure.

Conclusion: Dental and oral complications associated with ECT are common, therefore the personal should play more attention to and follow the practice guidelines for those patients requiring the ECT.