RESUMO
Introduction: A problem of endodontic origin is solved mainly by cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system. However, the use of medicines for systemic use is a great auxiliary in combating pain, inflammation and/or infection, making easier to treat the clinical status, that patient experiences less pain. Objective: To conduct a literature review evidencing the clinical indications of systemic medication application in endodontics, to aid the professional in achieving more effective and safer therapeutics. Literature review: There is a wide variety of drugs available on market. Consequently, the dentist is uncertain when prescribing systemic medication because a pharmacological arsenal is available. Also, the dentist frequently does not know the mechanism of action of these drugs and their interactions. Additionally to analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, used to combat pain, inflammation and infection, respectively, dentists can still make use of anxiolytics, in cases of patients very fearful to endodontic treatment. Conclusion: It is of fundamental importance that the dentist knows about the medication type to be used in each case and whether systemic therapy is really necessary, through a comprehensive case evaluation.
RESUMO
Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou avaliar a medicação intracanal (MIC) e a medicação sistêmica (MS) preconizadas nas Faculdades de Odontologia (FO) do Brasil para atendimento de urgência do abscesso periapical agudo (APA). Metodologia: Questionários foram enviados para 141 FO brasileiras endereçados ao responsável pela Disciplina de Endodontia. As questões abordaram as MIC e MS prescritas na unidade para o tratamento de urgência do APA em suas três fases de progressão: inicial, em evolução e evoluída. Resultados: O tricresol formalina foi a MIC mais empregada, independente da fase do APA, seguida por paramonoclorofenol, hidróxido de cálcio, clorexidina e hipoclorito de sódio. A MS mais utilizada foi o antibiótico, independente da fase do APA, seguido por analgésico e antiinflamatório. A associação sistêmica medicamentosa mais preconizada foi antibiótico/analgésico, seguida de antibiótico/antiinflamatório. O paracetamol, o diclofenaco e a amoxicilina foram o analgésico, o antiinflamatório e o antibiótico de primeira escolha, respectivamente. Nas fases em evolução e evoluída do APA, analgésicos mais potentes como o paracetamol associado à codeína e o dextropropoxifeno foram preconizados. Conclusão: Apesar de existir uma série de MIC e MS utilizadas em Endodontia, não existe consenso entre as FO brasileiras sobre qual a melhor medicação a ser usada em casos de APA.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prescription of intracanal medication (ICM) and systemic medication (SM) for urgency treatment of acute periapical abscess (APA) in Brazilian Dental Schools. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to 141 Brazilian Dental Schools addressed to the Head of the Discipline of Endodontics. Questions focused on prescribed intracanal and systemic medication for urgency treatment of APA under various stages according to its progress: early stage, in evolution, and evolved stage. Results Tricresol formalin was the most used ICM regardless of APA stage, followed by paramonochlorophenol, calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine, and sodium hypochlorite. The most used SM was antibiotics for all APA stages, followed by analgesics and antiinflammatory drugs. The most recommended systemic drug association was antibiotics/ analgesics, followed by antibiotics/anti-inflammatory drug. Paracetamol, diclofenac, and amoxicillin were the first-choice analgesics, anti-inflammatory drug, and antibiotics, respectively. For 'in evolution' and 'evolved' APA stages, prescriptions comprised more powerful analgesics, such as paracetamol associated with codeine and dextropropoxyphen. Conclusion: Although there is a plethora of intracanal and systemic medications available for endodontic purposes, there is no consensus amongst Brazilian Dental Schools on the best protocol for APA treatment.