The article “Role of Pharmacology in Dentistry: A Review of Analgesics, Antibiotics, and Local Anesthetics”, published in Cureus (2024), offers a detailed exploration of the main pharmacologic classes used routinely by dental professionals: analgesics, antibiotics, and local anesthetics.
This review not only revisits the mechanisms of action, indications, and side effects of each category but also highlights clinical considerations and evolving prescribing guidelines in dentistry.
It underscores the importance of evidence-based drug selection to manage pain, prevent or control infection, and achieve optimal anesthesia outcomes, especially in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance and the need for opioid stewardship.
Among the key topics discussed are:
🕀 Non-opioid vs. opioid analgesics: comparative efficacy and safety.
🕀 Judicious antibiotic prescribing: indications in endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
🕀 Local anesthetic agents: pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and patient-specific adjustments.
Whether you are a general dentist, specialist, or dental student, this comprehensive review provides a solid pharmacological framework to enhance patient safety, minimize adverse drug reactions, and support rational prescribing habits in daily clinical settings.
👉 We invite all dental professionals worldwide to read the Full article in PDF for an updated and practical review of pharmacological agents in dentistry.
