Drugs in Dentistry I

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a property of astringent agents used in dentistry?

They enhance nerve sensitivity.

They precipitate proteins on bleeding surfaces. (correct)

They promote tissue swelling.

They act as local anesthetics.

What is the primary mechanism of action of obtundents in dentistry?

To promote tooth enamel growth.

To increase blood flow to the area.

To diminish dentine sensitivity. (correct)

To enhance local anesthetic effects.

Tannic acid is used in dentistry primarily for what purpose?

Enhancing color in tooth whitening.

As an astringent and local haemostatics. (correct)

As a local anesthetic.

As a desensitizing agent.

Which concentration of zinc chloride is typically used in dental treatments?

5-10% solution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agents is known for its caustic properties in dental care?

Zinc chloride. Signup and view all the answers

What function does alum serve in dental treatments?

As an astringent and antiseptic agent. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dental drug is specifically used to reduce or eliminate pain during procedures?

Obtundents. Signup and view all the answers

Which metallic astringent is mentioned as being used in the treatment of ulcerated gums?

Copper sulphate. Signup and view all the answers

Which obtained acts by precipitating proteins during dental procedures?

Silver Nitrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of Benzyl Alcohol when used as an obtundent?

Paralysis of sensory nerve endings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of clove oil that provides its obtunding effect?

Eugenol Signup and view all the answers

Which obtundent is known to cause staining of dentine?

Silver Nitrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio used for the mixture of camphor, thymol, and menthol?

1:2:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of ethyl alcohol when applied in dental procedures?

Rapid penetration without staining Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is common to both phenol and creosote as obtundents?

High penetration potential Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following obtundents is known to cause sharp pain upon application?

Zinc Chloride Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is not considered a local anaesthetic in dental applications?

Acetaminophen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of obtundents in dental procedures?

To provide temporary pain relief Signup and view all the answers

Which mummifying agent is known for its potential to cause inflammation in pulp tissue?

Paraformaldehyde Signup and view all the answers

Which agent acts by slow liberation of iodine and possesses antiseptic properties?

Iodoform Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of using formaldehyde in dental procedures?

It can cause pulp inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agents is commonly used for temporary relief of toothache?

Toothache drops Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of bleaching agents in dentistry?

To remove pigmentation from teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which type of agent is classified as bleaching agents commonly used in dentistry?

Oxidizing agents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Drugs Used in Dentistry: Overview

Commonly used drugs in dentistry include astringents, obtundents, mummifying agents, and bleaching agents.
Characteristics studied include clinical uses, adverse effects, and mechanisms of action.

Astringents

Agents that precipitate superficial protein when applied to skin or mucous membrane.
Function to shrink/constrict tissues, arrest capillary oozing, promote clotting.
Types of astringents used in dentistry:
- Tannic Acid
- Zinc Chloride
- Zinc Sulphate
- Copper Sulphate
- Alum

Tannic Acid

Derived from nutgalls, it precipitates proteins as tannates.
Used in mouthwashes, dentifrices, local haemostatics, and obtundent applications.

Zinc Chloride

Caustic astringent, typically used in a 5-10% solution.
Effective for treating ulcerative gingivitis, pyorrhoeal pockets, and aphthous ulcers.

Zinc Sulphate

Astringent used at a concentration of 0.5-1%.
Commonly applied in mouthwash and lotion for conditions like mastoiditis and stomatitis.

Copper Sulphate

Used in astringent mouthwash, formulated at 0.5-2% concentration for indolent gum ulcers.

Alum

Serves as an astringent, antiseptic, and haemostatic agent.
Utilized in 1-2% concentration for inflamed or ulcerated gums.

Obtuents

Designed to diminish dentine sensitivity, creating a painless excavation.

Mummifying Agents

Harden and dry pulp tissue to maintain aseptic conditions.
Prevent infections when complete pulp removal is not feasible.
Often available in paste or semi-liquid forms.

Common Mummifying Agents

Tannic Acid: Mixed with glycerine, hardens tissues and prevents bacterial action.
Paraformaldehyde: Acts by slow formaldehyde liberation; may cause pulp inflammation.
Iodoform: Provides antiseptic properties, liberates iodine slowly, often used in paste form.
Toothache Drops: Temporary relief for toothache, typically containing local anesthetics like benzocaine or eugenol.

Bleaching Agents

Utilized to remove tooth pigmentation.
Classified mainly as oxidizing agents.

Obtundents: Mechanisms of Action

Three main categories based on their action:
- Destroying nervous tissue: e.g., Absolute alcohol.
- Paralyzing sensory nerve endings: e.g., Phenol, Benzyl alcohol, Eugenol.
- Precipitating proteins: e.g., Silver nitrate, Zinc chloride.

Specific Obtundents

Ethyl Alcohol (70%): Rapid penetration, non-toxic to pulp, doesn't stain.
Phenol: Causes initial irritation, used alone or mixed with chloroform and olive oil.
Creosote: Similar to phenol, but penetrates more deeply.
Benzyl Alcohol: Functions as a local anesthetic, mixed with chloroform and ethyl alcohol.
Camphor, Thymol, Menthol: Volatile oils mixed for rapid effect; initially stimulate, then paralyze sensory nerve endings.
Eugenol: Non-irritating, causes yellow stains, primarily used as an obtundent.
Silver Nitrate: Precipitates dentine proteins, causes pain, stains black.
Zinc Chloride: Similar action to silver nitrate, causes sharp pain, does not stain dentine.

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Description

Explore various drugs utilized in dentistry, focusing on bleaching, disclosing, and desensitization agents. This quiz discusses their clinical uses, adverse effects, and mechanisms of action to enhance your understanding of the pharmacological aspects in dental practice.