Management of Patients With Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices in Dental, Oral, and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The prevalence of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices as life-prolonging and life-saving devices has evolved from a treatment of last resort to a first-line therapy for an increasing number of patients. As these devices become more and more popular in the general population, dental providers utilizing instruments and medications should be aware of dental equipment and medications that may affect these devices and understand the management of patients with these devices. This review article will discuss the various types and indications for pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, common drugs and instruments affecting these devices, and management of patients with these devices implanted for cardiac dysrhythmias.

Pharmacologic Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders.

Pharmacologic agents play an integral role in the overall management of temporomandibular joint disorder. The general dentist should be familiar with the different classes of drugs currently in use for dealing with this often complex medical/dental problem.

Análise farmacológica e legal de prescrições odontológicas de antibióticos: um estudo transversal / Pharmacological and legal analysis of antitibiotic dental prescriptions: a cross-sectional study

Cirurgiões-dentistas têm a prerrogativa de prescrever medicamentos como adjuvantes ao tratamento odontológico. Em 2011, com a promulgação da Resolução de Diretoria Colegiada no 20 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária - ANVISA, antibióticos se tornaram medicamentos sujeitos a prescrição especial. Este estudo transversal descritivo buscou conhecer o ato prescricional dos cirurgiões-dentistas quanto aos antibióticos, identificar os mais prescritos, determinar se houve erro no atendimento das determinações legais e identificar erros na prescrição profilática. Foram analisadas prescrições odontológicas de antibióticos aviadas na maior rede de drogarias de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, de 1º de julho de 2011 a 30 de junho de 2012. No período da coleta de dados havia 75 lojas em funcionamento. Foi possível recuperar informações sobre as prescrições de 69 delas (Taxa de retorno=92,0%). Para o universo, 31.105 prescrições, foi realizado um sorteio da amostra, com cálculo baseado na estimativa de proporções (50% de proporção estimada de prescrição com erro, 5% de precisão e nível de confiança de 95%). Foram sorteadas 434 prescrições, pela técnica de amostragem aleatória simples. Após exclusão daquelas com repetição de prescritor e/ou de paciente, foram analisadas 366 prescrições. A precisão recalculada para este montante foi igual a 5,09%. Após dupla digitação no programa Epi-Data foi criado um banco de dados no programa SPSS. A pesquisa foi submetida e aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da UFMG. Os resultados das análises demonstraram que a maioria dos antibióticos prescritos pertence ao grupo das penicilinas (71,9%) e dos macrolídeos (17,6%). Também foram prescritos, em menor proporção, antibióticos para aplicação cutânea e vários outros, incluindo antifúngicos, além de associações: amoxicilina com ciprofloxacino e com clindamicina...

Dentists have the prerogative to prescribe drugs as adjuncts to dental treatment (BRASIL, 1966). In 2011, with the enactment of the Collegiate Board Resolution no.20 of the National Health Surveillance Agency - ANVISA, antibiotics became drugs subject to special prescription. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to know the limitation act of dentists as to antibiotics, identify the most prescribed, determine if there was an error in meeting the legal requirements and identify errors in prophylactic prescription. Dental antibiotic prescriptions filled in the largest drugstore chain in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais were analyzed from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012. In the period of data collection there were 75 stores in operation. It was possible to retrieve information about the prescriptions of 69 of them (return rate = 92%). For the study of 31,105 prescriptions, there was a draw of the sample, with calculation based on estimated proportions (50% of estimated proportion with prescription error, 5% precision and 95% of confidence level). 434 prescriptions were selected by the simple random sampling technique. After excluding those with repeating prescriber and / or patient, 366 prescriptions were analyzed. The accuracy recalculated for this amount was equal to 5.09%. After double entry in Epi-Date program it was created a database in the SPSS software. The research was subjected and approved by the Ethics Committee of UFMG. The results of analysis showed that most prescribed antibiotics belong to the group of penicillins (71.9%) and macrolides (17.6%). Also were prescribed, to a lesser extent, antibiotics for topical application and several others, including antifungal, in addition to associations: amoxicillin with ciprofloxacin and clindamycin. In 27.9% of the prescriptions there were errors in spelling or disobedience to the determination to follow the Brazilian Common Denomination (DCB)...

Why is dental treatment of the gravid patient regarded with caution? When is the appropriate time for care--be it emergent or routine--in the gravid patient?

There are myths surrounding pregnancy and the oral cavity, such as, "having a baby causes your gums to swell and your teeth to weaken," or "I don't need to see a dentist, there's nothing wrong with my teeth" or "with each child say bye to a tooth or two." All these myths are just that, myths. During pregnancy, women may experience pregnancy gingivitis or may suffer from pre-existing periodontal disease. The myth of tooth loss during pregnancy, according to the ADA (American Dental Association), has "no histological, chemical or radiographic evidence to support [it]". The biggest myth or misconception is that dental care is unnecessary during pregnancy, and until problems arise, some gravid women draw back from seeking dental treatment. Also, professionals sometimes shy away from care of the gravid patient for reasons associated with teratogenicity and fetotoxicity. Teratogenic effects take place from three to eight weeks after conception, and fetotoxicity can occur at the latter end of the initial trimester on to delivery, according to Donaldson and Goodchild, authors of Pregnancy, breast-feeding and drugs used in dentistry in JADA's (The Journal of the American Dental Association) August, 2012 issue. This article includes reasons dental treatment is regarded with caution; therefore, appropriate timing of dental care and suggested clinical recommendations as they relate to the pregnant patient are reviewed.

Dental management of liver transplant patient.

The dental management of a liver transplant patient requires an awareness of the problems associated with controlling infection, bleeding and pain. Consultation with the patient's physician is most important. Laboratory tests to determine liver function, complete blood count (CBC)-including white blood cells and platelets-and clotting ability (international normalized ratio [INR]) are a necessity. In the case report presented here, the dentist, in consultation with the patient's physician, outlines a dental management plan that includes the need for antibiotic prophylaxis and delineates the types of antibiotics, analgesics and local anesthetics that may be used.

Basic and clinical pharmacology of glucocorticosteroids.

Glucocorticosteroids are a product of the adrenal cortex and perform a staggering number of physiological effects essential for life. Their clinical use is largely predicated on their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, but they also have notable efficacy in the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting. This article reviews the basic functions of glucocorticoids and their clinical use in dental practice.

Dental care throughout pregnancy: what a dentist must know.

Pregnancy is a unique period in a woman's lifetime. Good oral health during pregnancy is important to the overall health of both the expectant mother and her baby. Oral health assessment should be part of comprehensive prenatal care for all women and every general medical practitioner and obstetrician should consider referral of a newly pregnant woman to a dentist as routine. Unfortunately, there may be times when pregnant women, obstetricians and-on occasional-dentists are sceptical of dental care during pregnancy owing to prejudices about the safety of dental treatment, resulting in delay of the dental treatment. The aim of this paper is to review the literature for evidence-based answers with regard to the frequent dilemmas of dentists concerning dental treatment of pregnant women. The search was performed using the PubMed database and systematic reviews and original articles (clinical and experimental studies) as well as guidelines produced by scientific organisations. From this review it can be concluded that most dental work is safe during pregnancy. Dentists and health agencies should provide and distribute information to women about the importance of maintaining oral health during pregnancy.

Knowledge and practice of behavioral management principles among dentists treating adults with learning disabilities.

This study investigated U.K. dentists' knowledge and practice of behavioral management principles (BMPs) as applied to adults with learning disabilities (AWLD). A postal questionnaire enquired into the dentists' experience in managing AWLD, utilization of behavioral management techniques, and knowledge of BMPs. The response rate was 41% (N = 53). Two groups were investigated: specialists (dentists registered on the Special Care Dentistry specialists' list, n = 37) and nonspecialists (dentists not on the list, n = 16). Although specialists treated more AWLD than nonspecialists, both groups of dentists reported they felt highly confident in managing AWLD. However, all dentists' knowledge of the principles of nonpharmacological BMPs was low. Specialists had a tendency to use a greater range of nonpharmacological behavioral management techniques compared to non-specialists. These results suggest that dental team members need more training in the theory and practice of BMPs, which might lead to less reliance on costly pharmacological interventions and a clinical experience that is more respectful of the dignity and independence of AWLD.

Drug abuse identification and pain management in dental patients: a case study and literature review.

Properly identifying patients with a history of drug abuse is the first step in providing effective dental care. Dental professionals need to be fully aware of the challenges associated with treating this population. In the current study, the authors analyzed the physical and oral manifestations of illicit drug abuse to aid in the identification of patients who abuse drugs and the pain management strategies needed to treat them. The authors also present a clinical case of a patient with unique skin lesions and discuss the typical clinical findings of drug abuse based on a literature review.

Biologics in oral medicine: principles of use and practical considerations.

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 525-536 Biologic therapies are relatively innovative treatments aimed at modulating lymphocytes or cytokines. There are currently three broad classes of biologic therapies, tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, lymphocyte modulators and interleukin inhibitors; all are increasingly used in the treatment of inflammatory immune-mediated conditions, and several have potential applications in oral medicine. Guidelines for their use in licensed indications (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease) include recommendations and guidance for patient selection and subsequent monitoring with discussion of potential adverse effects. An understanding of these is important when managing patients receiving biologic therapy for systemic disease, and compliance is essential in any use in oral medicine. Key aspects of current guidance are presented with particular emphasis on their relevance to clinicians working within oral and maxillofacial medicine/pathology/surgery and in specialist practice.

Herbs in dentistry.

Herbs have been used for centuries to prevent and control disease. Herbal extracts are effective because they interact with specific chemical receptors within the body and are in a pharmacodynamic sense, drugs themselves. By using herbal medicines, patients have averted the many side effects that generally come with traditional medicines, but this does not mean that side effects do not occur. Only knowledgeable practitioners can prescribe the right herb and its proper dosage. Herbal medicines had been considered in every culture, however, pharmaceutical companies overturned this type of thinking. Now, pharmaceuticals are called traditional and herbs are libeled as the 'alternative'. The biggest challenge and problem is lack of information about the effect of herbs in oral tissues, mechanism of effect, and side effects. Several popular conventional drugs on the market are derived from herbs. These include aspirin (from white willow bark), digitalis (from foxglove), and sudafed (modelled after a component in the plant ephedra). Herbal products can vary in their potency. Therefore, care must be taken in selecting herbs, even so, herbal medicines have dramatically fewer side effects and are safer to use than conventional medications. The herbs described in this article are Bloodroot, Caraway, Chamomile, Echinacea, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Aloe Vera, Propolis, and a summary of other herbs that are useful in dentistry. Herbs may be good alternatives to current treatments for oral health problems but it is clear that we need more research.

What every dentist should know about zinc.

Zinc plays an important role in human physiology, from its involvement in the proper function of the immune system to its role in cellular growth, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis as well as its essential role in the activity of numerous zinc-binding proteins. However, zinc also plays a key pathophysiological role in major neurological disorders and diabetes. Zinc deficiency is a worldwide problem, whereas excessive intake of zinc is relatively rare. Many patients are exposed to zinc on a regular basis through dentistry as a result of its use in certain restorative materials, mouthwashes, toothpastes and, notably, denture adhesives. Of particular importance to dental professionals are various case reports concerning the neurologic effects of excess zinc intake by patients who routinely use large quantities of zinc-containing denture adhesives. This review presents relevant information concerning the use of zinc in dentistry.

Dental prescribing in Wales and associated public health issues.

Dental prescribing data in Wales have not been studied in detail previously. The analysis of national data available from Health Solutions Wales showed that dental prescribing in Wales accounted for 9% of total antibacterial prescribing in primary care in 2008. Penicillin and metronidazole constituted the bulk of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Since the publication of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance (March 2008) on prophylaxis against infective endocarditis, dental prescriptions for amoxicillin 3g sachets and clindamycin capsules have decreased. Dental prescriptions for fluoride preparations increased in number from 2007 to 2008. Dental prescribing of controlled drugs raises no concern. The figure for antibiotic prescribing in Wales is similar to that of England. Nevertheless, the figure seems a little high, indicating potential inappropriate prescribing behaviour among dentists. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue and many patients each year die from infections from bacterial strains that are resistant to one or more antibiotics. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major cause of antibiotic resistance and every effort should be made to reduce the number of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions in dental practice.

Preventing erosion with novel agents.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the protective effect of four commercial novel agents against erosion. METHODS: Ninety human molars were distributed into 9 groups, and after incubation in human saliva for 2 h, a pellicle was formed. Subsequently, the specimens were submitted to demineralization (orange juice, pH 3.6, 3 min) and remineralization (paste slurry containing one of the tested novel agents, 3 min) cycles, two times per day, for 4 days. The tested agents were: (1) DenShield Tooth; active ingredient: 7.5% W/W NovaMin(®) (calcium sodium phosphosilicate); (2) Nanosensitive hca; active ingredient: 7.5% W/W NovaMin(®); (3) GC Tooth Mousse; active ingredient: 10% Recaldent™ (CPP-ACP); (4) GC MI Paste Plus; active ingredients: 10% Recaldent™, 900 ppm fluoride. Two experimental procedures were performed: in procedure 1, the tested agents were applied prior to the erosive attack, and in procedure 2 after the erosive attack. A control group receiving no prophylactic treatment was included. Surface nanohardness (SNH) of enamel specimens was measured after pellicle formation and after completion of daily cyclic treatment. RESULTS: SNH significantly decreased at the end of the experiment for all groups (p<0.05). In both procedures, there was no statistically significant difference between the control group and those treated with paste slurries (p>0.05). In addition, the changes in SNH (ΔSNH=SNHbaseline-SNHfinal) did not show statistically significant difference between both procedures (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Tooth erosion cannot be prevented or repaired by these novel agents, regardless of fluoride content.

Chronic kidney disease: pharmacological considerations for the dentist.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) represent a challenge for the dentist seeking to prescribe medications. Understanding the medical management of renal insufficiency and the pharmacokinetics of common dental drugs will aid clinicians in safely treating these patients. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors reviewed the literature concerning the medical and pharmacological management of CKD. They reviewed the pharmacokinetic effects of drugs described in case reports and research articles and obtained from them recommendations regarding the use of drugs and adjustment of dosages. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because CKD is progressive, patients have varying levels of renal function but do not yet have end-stage renal disease. Some drugs that dentists prescribe commonly may worsen a patient's renal function, lead to drug toxicity or both. Managing the care of patients and prescribing medications tailored to their needs begin with a recognition of the patient with renal disease at risk of developing adverse effects. Clinicians can identify these patients from information obtained in their medical histories and from the drugs they may be taking. CONCLUSIONS: To treat patients with kidney disease, clinicians must recognize those at risk, have knowledge of the pharmacokinetic changes that occur and recognize that adjustment of drug dosages often is needed.