hosa dental pharmacology and pain management

local anesthetics

lidocaine, articaine, and bupivacaine

lidocaine

fast onset and moderate duration makes it useful for fillings and extractions

articaine

rapid onset and higher potency is beneficial for deeper anesthesia requirements, such as root canals

bupivacaine

long lasting pain relief, after invasive surgeries

nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

a mild sedative to relax conscious patients

diazepam / lorazepam

may be prescribed to reduce anxiety before appointments

IV sedation and general anesthesia

used for deeper sedation

analgesics

provide pain relief

NSAIDS (ibuprofen)

provide pain relief and reduce inflammation

acetaminophen

useful for mild pain

opioids (narcotics)

short-term use due to cautions of dependency

antibiotics

treat infections

amoxicillin

most commonly prescribed antibiotic

clindamycin

prescribed to patients with penicillin allergies