The analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen in periodontal surgery: A multicentre study.

The efficacy of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, ibuprofen, was evaluated in pain control following periodontal surgery. This type of agent acts peripherally by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins and minimizing the local inflammatory response. Thus there may be an advantage in pre-treatment administration of the drug so as to delay or even prevent postoperative pain. The study was multicentre, involving a Public Hospital Periodontal Unit, two specialist periodontal practices in Sydney, NSW, and two in Canberra, ACT. One hundred and twenty-seven patients who were to undergo periodontal surgery were randomly given either two 200 mg tablets of ibuprofen or two matching placebo tablets at least 30 minutes before administration of local anaesthesia. The procedure was double blind: neither the patient nor the clinician was aware of the tablet identity. Postoperatively, all patients were given labelled ibuprofen for pain relief, but were randomly divided into two groups: As directed who were instructed to take the drug regularly for two days postoperatively, and As required, who were to take the drug only if needed for pain relief. All patients completed a diary recording quantity and time of medication, and regular assessment of pain experience utilizing a visual analogue scale. The As directed group showed no significant difference in pain experience between pre-operative and post-operative only medication, but the As required group experienced significantly less pain and requirement for medication if the ibuprofen was administered pre-operatively.

HIV infection and the dentist. 1. The presence of HIV in saliva and its implications to dental practice.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been detected in all body fluids. The presence and the detection of HIV virus in human saliva are reviewed. Modes of HIV transmission are discussed with particular reference to the possibility and risk of virus transmission via saliva. This risk is considered to be extremely low. The relevance of this information to the practising dentist is discussed and some practical suggestions in infection control are made.

HIV infection and the dentist. 2. The diagnosis and management of gingivitis and periodontitis.

In HIV infected patients, a distinct form of gingivitis and periodontitis was reported recently. This paper reviews the clinical and microbiological features of these lesions and makes recommendations regarding their clinical management. The need for early treatment and control of periodontitis in HIV seropositive patients is emphasized.