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Appropriate analgesic prescribing for the general dentist
Mark Donaldson1, Jason H Goodchild
1School of Pharmacy, University of Montana in Missoula, USA.
General Dentistry
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are effective for mild to moderate dental pain. Prescribers should consider patient risk factors and new guidelines for safe analgesic use, focusing on lower doses and shorter durations.
Area of Science:
- Dental medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute postoperative dental pain management is crucial.
- Understanding analgesic mechanisms and safety is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of common analgesics for acute postoperative dental pain.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for dental pain treatment.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE (2005-2009) for dental analgesia and postoperative pain literature.
- Prioritized peer-reviewed articles and randomized controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Acetaminophen and NSAIDs remain primary choices for mild to moderate dental pain.
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors may benefit specific patient groups (e.g., GI risk, warfarin users).
- Emerging data suggests lower doses and shorter durations for analgesics.
Conclusions:
- Current guidelines emphasize careful consideration of analgesic safety profiles.
- Prescribers must weigh risks and benefits, especially with combination therapies.
- Adherence to updated dosing recommendations is critical for patient safety.
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