Drugs and dentistry: A review

A drug is defined as a chemical substance which alters functions of living organisms. These are used as a medication for the diagnosis, prevention, control or for treatment of a disease. Drugs effects depend on various factors such as body size, general health of individual, amount and strength of medication and whether one drug is taken or two are taken at same time. Dentists also use certain medications for management of some health conditions which affect oral cavity. Medications used in dentistry may be used for management of pain, prevention of diseases or fight against infections. These can also be used before or after any dental procedure to reduce pain or discomfort and also to prevent complications associated with dental procedure. These drugs may also develop variable adverse effects such as headache, skin rashes, nausea, sweating, lack of appetite etc depending on type, and dose of drug taken. Medications used in dentistry include anaesthetics, pain killers, antibiotics, antiviral drugs and antifungal etc. This paper provides an insight to the various medications, their role in dentistry & how they can help a dentist.