General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners Part 6: The endocrine system

Diabetic patients should be treated first on a treatment session so that the start time is predictable. Hypoglycaemia must be avoided and presents more quickly than hyperglycaemia. A physician should be consulted if a general anaesthetic is being considered.Thyroid disease may present as a goitre. Thyroid function should be stabilised before a general anaesthetic is used.Oral contraceptives may predispose to thromboembolism and their action may be impaired by some antibiotics and anticonvulsants.In pregnancy essential treatment should be carried out in the second trimester when possible.Acromegaly may be associated with headaches, visual loss, diabetes and hypertension.