Lectures
Local Anesthetic and Analgesic Drugs in Dentistry
Local anaesthesia is crucial for pain management in dentistry. A differentiated use of the drugs is recommended.
The dose of the drug should be calculated with respect to the body weight of the patient and the concomitant diseases. Serious complications are intoxication because of overdosage and allergic reactions.
Because of the vasodilating effect of the local anaesthetics vasoconstrictors are added to the dental formulations. The gold standard is epinephrine. To reduce side effect the lowest possible dose should be used.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are adequate for acute and postoperative pain.
Anticonvulsant and tricyclic antidepressant drugs are used as co-analgesics.
Learning Objectives :
- Selection of local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor according to risk factors of the patient and planned treatment.
- Safe and effective analgesia for acute and postoperative dental pain.
- Use of co-analgesic drugs for chronic pain.
Proposed Drugs for Pain Management in Dentistry
Traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and new Cox 2-inhibitors are adequate for acute and postoperative pain. Their antiphlogistic and analgetic potency are very efficient for the mainly inflammatory pain states in dentistry. One alternative in the case of contraindications is acetaminophen. Opioids are often not necessary for dental pain and should be avoided if possible because of their risk of addiction.
Anticonvulsant and tricyclic antidepressant drugs can be used as co-analgesics in chronic facial pain, sometimes even in the perioperative drug management.
Learning Objectives :
- Selection of drugs for a safe and effective analgesia for acute and postoperative dental pain.
- Knowledge of effects and side effects of the different drugs
- Use of co-analgesic drugs for chronic pain.
