2026 Courses and Events

Description:

Acute post-operative pain is one of the most common sequelae associated with dentistry and dental treatment, and almost every dental procedure has the potential to produce some degree of pain requiring appropriate management. Clinicians have a broad armamentarium of pharmacologic agents to control acute post-operative pain, including acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids, depending on the anticipated severity of pain. This lecture introduces evidence-based information on the basic mechanisms of pain, the pharmacology of analgesics, and the rationale for selecting appropriate agents for the management of acute odontogenic pain. In addition, newer analgesics used particularly for chronic facial and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, along with their common adverse drug reactions and drug interactions, will be reviewed

Learn to:

• •discuss the physiology of pain
• •review and discuss the pharmacology of the most common analgesics used in dentistry to treat acute and chronic pain
• •recognize potential drug interactions and adverse drug events associated with the use of analgesics commonly prescribed by dental practitioners
• •understand the importance of organ function/ disease status in altering the absorption, distribution, metabolism and therapeutic action of dentally used analgesics

Description:

Pharmacology is the study of Drugs and their effects on the human body. Chronic medical conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders and neurological conditions are very prevalent worldwide. In this course, we will discuss the top 10 prescribed drugs in North America. We will review the pharmacological actions of these drugs, any reported adverse reactions and drug interactions associated with their use. The clinician reviews the effects of these medications on the oral cavity and any needed dental modifications for these patients. Specific emphasis is given to the effects and interactions of these commonly prescribed drugs with those often given by dentists, namely, local anesthetics, analgesics, antibiotics and antifungals.

Learn to:

• •identify the top 10 prescribed drugs
• •recognize the indications and contraindications of these commonly prescribed drugs
• •discuss the mechanism of action, adverse reactions and drug interactions of the most commonly prescribed medications
• •discuss the top 10 prescribed drugs and their interactions with dental treatment and commonly prescribed dental drugs