Dental Compounding
Many patients have anxiety associated with dental work. What if a patient could receive a topical anesthetic to help numb the area before an injection? What if a patient had a medicated, anti-anxiety lollipop before a procedure? These and just two examples of how compounding can help in dentistry.
Compounding dental mouthwashes offer numerous advantages over commercially available products. Commercially available rinses often contain preservatives such as alcohol, which can cause reactions or GI irritation. Sugar is also used which would make it undesirable for a diabetic patient. A customized preparation without unnecessary additives can eliminate concerns about palatability, alcohol content and dyes which may stain exposed mucosa.
To treat periodontal disease, antibiotics can be formulated as a mouthwash, or added to a paste that will maintain contact between the tissue and medication for a longer period of time. A topical gel can be applied to the face / jaw area for relief of pain and inflammation of TMJ disorders. Pain relief normally occurs in less than 1 hour and avoids any GI side effects of other commonly prescribed pain medications.
Examples of compounding uses in dentistry:
- TAC 20% Topical Anesthetic is used prior to injection, laser, and soft tissue procedures, frenectomies and more. This product combines Lidocaine, Tetracaine, and Phenylephrine.
- Terra-Cortril Drops have been discontinued but can be compounded and used in the prevention of infection and inflammation of a dry socket.
- Keto-Flex Transdermal Gel combines Ketoprofen and Cyclobenzaprine for relief of pain, inflammation and muscle tension in the temporomandibular joints.