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Analgesic anti-inflammatory use for oral implant surgery in India mostly in line with guidelines

Among dentists in India, the prescription of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs for dental implant surgery was found to be mostly in line with worldwide pain management guidelines; however, researchers also noted evidence of the prescription of drugs not primarily indicated for dental pain management, as well as the use of protocols that were inconsistent with current recommendations.

The researchers gathered information on practitioners’ prescribing habits in oral implant surgery through the responses to a questionnaire distributed to 332 dentists in India. Additionally, the researchers computed frequency distributions using the types of drugs prescribed and the protocols followed.

According to the researchers’ findings, 85.8% of dentists reported prescribing conventional NSAIDs for use after implant surgery. Ibuprofen and paracetamol was found to be the most commonly prescribed combination, as reported by 32.2% of respondents. Ibuprofen and diclofenac were reported as the most commonly prescribed drugs (44.3% and 33.7%, respectively). Paracetamol was prescribed by 54.2% of dentists as an addition to another analgesic, not used alone as an analgesic-anti-inflammatory drug.

Results showed 64.7% of dentists prescribed more than one drug, and 56.9% reported using generic medications. A single NSAID drug was prescribed by 35.2% of respondents, and semi-synthetic opioids were used by 9% of dentists.

Only 5.4% of respondents reported their preferred drug dosages, according to the researchers. Perioperative treatment protocol was used by only 35.5% of dentists, whereas 64.7% reported only prescribing medication postoperatively.

The researchers concluded raising dental practitioners’ awareness of the appropriate indications and dosage regimens for specific drugs is imperative to avoid potential complications. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.