Management of aspiration and swallowing incidents: a review of the literature and report of case.

This article has reviewed aspiration and swallowing incidents in a dental environment with particular emphasis on the young child and the medically, physically and mentally handicapped patient. A thorough review of prevention, signs and symptoms, management and documentation of these incidents has been presented. This review was presented to reaffirm the potential of these incidents and strives to educate the practitioner who treats these special populations. The case report applies reported guidelines for noting signs and symptoms, management and documentation. This case report also affirms the need to check all dental instruments before their use, as a safeguard against possible failure. Current policy for infection control maintains strict guidelines for asepsis. With the increasing use of steam autoclaving and cleansing products, an increased rate of failure may be seen in some instruments. Manufacturers should be contacted for instrument care and sterilization recommendations, as well as projected longevity of the instrument, if their sterilization procedures are followed. The economic implications of replacing instruments because of the protocol for maintaining asepsis will undoubtedly contribute to the rising cost of care. Prevention has been the goal of dentistry for decades and dental emergencies are not excluded. Preparation for such incidents will prevent many incidents and allow for proper patient management should they occur.