Control of the Gag Reflex during Digital Intra-Oral Radiography

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the control of the Gag Reflex during Intra-oral Digital Radiography. Occasionally patients in need of an intra-oral digital radiographic examination may manifest the gag reflex on the slightest provocation. The study included 342 male patients ranged between 25 – 45 years of age for whom at least 6 radiographic projections were indicated. The technique followed during intra-oral digital radiography was the bisecting angle technique. The detector used was a real time charge - coupled device (CCD) sensor, more pertinent to size 2 intra – oral dental x-ray film packet. The dimensions of the sensor were 31 x 44 x 6 mm and has a USB ended cable connection. The patients were classified according to their severity of the gag reflex into mild, moderate and severe. Mild and moderate cases were mainly controlablehad making use a list of suggested local and psychological precautions. Severe cases were only controlled successfully by the administration of 25 mg orally t.d.s of the anti-emetic drug chlorpromazine hydrochloride the day before radiography