Pharmacologic agents play an integral role in the overall management of temporomandibular joint disorder. The general dentist should be familiar with the different classes of drugs currently in use for dealing with this often complex medical/dental problem.
Key points
- •
Temporomandibular disorders and its associated pain and dysfunction are known to be multifactorial in cause with many contributing causes, and consequently, the treatment of this condition is varied.
- •
Pharmacologic agents play an integral role in the overall management of temporomandibular joint disorder.
- •
A thorough knowledge of the various pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction/temporomandibular joint disorders and pain is essential for the dentist or oral surgeon who wish to manage this segment of his or her clinical practice.
The use of drug therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction/temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD/TMJ) should be viewed as merely adjunctive treatment as opposed to definitive treatment of this disorder. Temporomandibular disorders and its associated pain and dysfunction are known to be multifactorial in cause with many contributing causes, and consequently, the pharmacologic therapy used in treatment of this condition is varied ( Box 1 ).
- •
NSAIDs
- •
Opioids
- •
Corticosteroids
- •
Antidepressants
- •
Muscle relaxants
- •
Sedative, hypnotics
Stay updated, free dental videos. Join our Telegram channel
VIDEdental - Online dental courses
