Pharmacologic considerations in the management of oral surgery patients in general dental practice

Minor oral surgery is an integral part of dentistry, whether performed by the generalist or the specialist. Procedures include those within the broad discipline of general oral surgery (such as routine and surgical extractions, impactions, preprosthetics, biopsy, and implants), periodontics (such as periodontal surgery, mucogingival plastic surgery, and implants), and endodontics (periapical surgery). There is considerable overlap among generalists and surgical specialists in terms of the treatment provider. Perhaps the most important consideration with regard to appropriateness and quality of care is not who does the surgery but how it is done. The ability to perform surgery according to sound surgical principles and to properly prescribe medications in association with that surgery is a necessary requisite for quality treatment. This article reviewed how various pharmacologic agents can be administered and how they influence surgical procedures. Whether or not they are used and the manner in which they are used are predicated on the discretion and clinical judgment of the clinician on a case-by-case basis. If used appropriately, these medications can be instrumental in mitigating morbidity and increasing tolerance and overall patient satisfaction with the surgical experience.