Preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for the prevention of postoperative dental pain

Article Abstract:

Steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are traditionally prescribed by dentists to relieve pain following dental surgery. Postoperative dental pain is usually most intense within the first 12 hours. Swelling and inflammation have been reported to peak between 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The usefulness of giving NSAIDS to patients prior to surgery for management of postoperative pain was evaluated. Guidelines for the use of NSAIDs are also presented. Comparisons were made of aspirin, acetaminophen, diflunisal, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, indomethacin and corticosteroids. All of these agents limited patient discomfort following oral surgery. Some of these agents produced unwanted side effects such as gastrointestinal intolerance, changes in the levels of platelets (blood clotting element), and adverse central nervous system reactions. Ibuprofen was the preferred agent for maximizing patients' postoperative comfort with the fewest side effects. Ibuprofen did not induce drowsiness, nausea or vomiting which were common with the opiate agents. In comparison with the other NSAIDs, ibuprofen is associated with less severe gastrointestinal side effects. Ibuprofen is effective in reducing postoperative dental pain when given 30 minutes prior to minor dental surgery. Recommendations for ibuprofen prophylaxis are given. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Evaluation, Physiological aspects, Drug therapy, Oral surgery, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Ibuprofen, Analgesia, Pain, Postoperative, Postoperative pain

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Dental splint prescription patterns: a survey

Article Abstract:

Dentists frequently prescribe dental splints to treat patients who grind their teeth (bruxers) and those with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome (MPD), or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Researchers surveyed 507 dentists to study prescription patterns for dental appliances used to treat bruxism, MPD, and TMJ pain. Of these, 380 dentists had made at least one splint for bruxers within the last year, 250 had made at least one splint for patients with MPD, and 262 had made at least one splint for patients with TMJ pain. The average general dentist and the average specialist made similar numbers of splints for bruxers, although the specialist made significantly more splints for MPD and TMJ patients. These data suggest that U.S. dentists make splints for approximately 1.59 million bruxers, 800,000 million people with MPD, and 1.14 million people with TMJ pain each year.

Care and treatment, Practice, Dentists, Fibromyalgia, Temporomandibular joint disorders, Bruxism, Dental equipment and supplies, Dental equipment, Dental supplies

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Diabetes and oral health promotion: a survey of disease prevention behaviors

Article Abstract:

Many diabetics are not aware that they have a higher than normal risk of oral diseases such as tooth loss, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and soft tissue disease. Dentists should take the time to educate all their diabetic patients.

Analysis, Complications and side effects, Behavior, Diabetics, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Oral manifestations of general diseases, Oral manifestations

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