If you have a dental issue, then you might need medication from your
dentist. But you might be wondering if your
dentist is allowed to give it to you. The answer is that yes, your
dentist can prescribe necessary dental medications. However, there are some limitations. Keep reading to learn more about this.
Limits on medications prescribed
A dentist is only allowed to prescribe medication related to dental health. For example, a dentist could prescribe an antibiotic. This would be designed to prevent an infection in a patient who had gum disease. However, a dentist could not prescribe a headache or a cold medication. A dentist who prescribed something outside of the course of the dentistry practice would be violating the law and regulations. The dentist would be disciplined by the board that approved them. The dentist also cannot self-prescribe. Any medications for family members, friends or office staff must only be for dental conditions. As with any other patient, these need to be documented in the file.
What does a dentist prescribe?
While there are limitations on what dentists can prescribe, there are many medications that the dentist can give. These will depend on the patient’s condition. Some medications can fight an oral disease. Others might treat or prevent an infection. The dose will depend on the patient and what it is used for. The patient’s age and weight will also play a role in this. Patients will still want to understand what the medication is being used for. The patient will need to tell the dentist about any pre-existing health conditions.
Controlling anxiety or pain
Many dental procedures require intravenous sedation, local or general anesthesia or nitrous oxide. This can control both anxiety and pain during a dental procedure. A dentist may also recommend a prescription pain reliever after a procedure. This can be used after the initial medications wear off.
Anti-inflammatory medications
For some gum or mouth issues, a patient might need to have anti-inflammatory medication. This can relieve redness or discomfort. For example, a corticosteroid can only be gotten as a prescription as a paste. The dentist might also recommend a milder one to relieve pain from dental appliances or even a fever.
Dental analgesics
Many conditions can cause irritation or pain in the mouth. For example, both sores and toothaches can cause pain. A dental analgesic might be used to relieve the discomfort. Even patients who have dentures or braces might benefit from them. A dentist might recommend a prescription-strength one. These can come as ointments, gels, pastes, lozenges and other forms.
Visit a dentist today
If your dentist believes that you need to have a medication, then you can get a prescription there. That way, you can stop by and have it filled after your appointment. There are limitations in place on what your dentist can prescribe to protect patients. Making an appointment with a dentist can help you learn more about prescription medications.
Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office. Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.