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

J Prosthodont. 2019 Jul;28(6):618-622. doi: 10.1111/jopr.12957. Epub 2018 Jul 24.

Abstract

A gag reflex is a common occurrence during dental procedures. A hypersensitive gag reflex is less frequently encountered and may prevent the dental provider from successfully completing critical clinical stages, resulting in poor treatment outcomes. Once patients suffer an unpleasant gag reflex experience in a dental office, they may become phobic, delaying or postponing their dental treatment. The purpose of this article is to review available treatment options and present a report of a partially edentulous patient with an exaggerated gag reflex, focusing on clinical management using a simple yet effective table salt technique and proper prosthesis design.

Keywords: Final impression; gag reflex; removable partial dentures; table salt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dental Impression Technique
  • Denture Design
  • Denture, Partial, Removable*
  • Gagging*
  • Humans