Articles tagged "pharmacology"
Seeking Clarity on Antibiotic Prophylaxis Position Statements
The news item that appeared in the recent issue of JCDA implies that CDA, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) are in agreement regarding prophylactic antibiotic regimens for dental patients with total joint replacements. Read more
Should Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications Be Discontinued before Minor Oral Surgery Procedures?
For minor oral surgery procedures, there is no need to stop antithrombotic medications if proper local measures are followed. Read more
Clinical Resources on Antibiotic Prophylaxis
JCDA has recently featured several articles and clinical resources related to antibiotic prophylaxis. For your reference, links to the articles and related resources are listed below. Read more
The Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Oral Health
This literature review confirms that long-term use of phenytoin causes gingival hyperplasia, as does the use of valproate, carbamazepine and phenobarbital. Patients taking carbamazepine or phenytoin had alveolar bone loss. However, the effects of newer-generation antiepileptic drugs on oral health have not yet been studied. Read more
Patient Resource on Bisphosphonates and ONJ
Dentists can now access a patient resource on bisphosphonates as they relate to oral health. This class of medications has been examined extensively, to assess its possible relationship with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Read more
Health Canada Reissues Advisory on Topical Benzocaine
Health Canada published an updated advisory notice in April, reminding the public about the potential health risks of topical benzocaine products. Read more
Notice on Denture Creams Containing Zinc
Health Canada and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) published an information document in February 2010, advising health professionals about potential health risks to patients from the long-term excessive use of denture adhesives that contain zinc. Read more
Vaccines and Acute Myocardial Infarction
A case control study1 examining the possible relationship between the flu vaccine and acute myocardial infarction (MI) was recently published in CMAJ. Read more
Accident Highlights Need for Drug Precautions
An experience with one of my patients made me realize that as dentists, we could take extra precautions when prescribing lorazepam (marketed as Ativan). Read more
Hyland’s Teething Tablets Recalled on Risk of Belladonna Poisoning
Hyland’s Teething Tablets (125 tablets, DIN 01956485) have been voluntarily recalled from the Canadian market because they may pose a risk to infants and children. Read more
How are odontogenic infections best managed?
Dental infections, including gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries and odontogenic infections, result in numerous dental visits each year in Canada. They can range in severity from a mild buccal space infection to a severe life-threatening multi-space infection. All dentists should be comfortable with prompt diagnosis and management of these types of infections. This review of odontogenic infections describes causative organisms, management including appropriate antibiotic selection and the indications for referral to a specialist. Read more
What dose of epinephrine contained in local anesthesia can be safely administered to a patient with underlying cardiac disease during a dental procedure?
Epinephrine is commonly used in health care and has multiple applications. Two frequent and often life-saving uses are the management of anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest. The word has a Greek origin and literally means “on” (epi) the “kidney” (nephros) referring to the anatomic location (the adrenal gland) where the drug is produced. Confusion still exists regarding the dose limits for epinephrine, particularly when the drug is administered to patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. Read more
If my patient has undergone radiation treatment of the jaw, does he/she need hyperbaric oxygen therapy before I extract teeth or perform other minor oral surgery?
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a feared condition recognized by all dental practitioners (Figs. 1 and 2). Some of us have witnessed this disease among our patients, and we learned in dental school how devastating it can be. The biologic effects of high-dose radiation therapy on the jaws have been well described by Marx.1,2 Although there is no threshold radiation dose beyond which ORN becomes a higher risk, it usually occurs among patients who have had radiation therapy, surgery or both for oral cancer, usually squamous cell carcinoma. Read more
