The use of transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block has expanded in the field of pain management due to its minimally invasive delivery and potential benefit for craniofacial pain.
This paper will describe the causes of oral pain in the palliative patient and the important role of the palliative care dentist in the treatment of oral pain to reduce suffering in the patient’s final days.
Acute dental pain in children can stem from various conditions, such as extractions, pulpitis, or apical abscesses. Managing this pain effectively is crucial for improving the child’s comfort and reducing distress for both the patient and their caregivers.
Researchers at the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry have secured three National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants totalling US$6 million to improve oral cancer therapies, prevent treatment-related complications and develop better pain-relief strategies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 95 per cent of oral cancer cases and carries a five-year survival … Read more
A systematic review published by researchers affiliated with the American Dental Association (ADA) in October 2025 found that cannabidiol (CBD) — the non-psychoactive component of cannabis — shows promise as a “safe adjunct” for managing oral pain and inflammation. The paper, titled “Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in oral disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence,” … Read more
Abstract Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a condition characterized by a short, sharp pain from exposed dentin in response to various stimuli which cannot be ascribed to any other dental conditions.1 The prevalence of DH varies widely, with estimates ranging from 1% to 92%.2 Most importantly, DH impacts patients’ quality of life by affecting daily activities such as … Read more
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) primarily affecting the jaw muscles, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These disorders are increasingly prevalent, with a rising number of patients seeking treatment for associated pain and dysfunction. They affect approximately 1 in 12 adults and are now the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition … Read more
As Founder, Owner, and CEO of the Jaw and Facial Pain Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, I will highlight the need for effective and safe pain management to ensure a positive patient experience in dental care. With a growing number of people experiencing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)—one of the fastest-growing musculoskeletal issues—managing pain has become … Read more
LQS: The missing link in dental anesthesia Introduction: Rethinking the anesthetic spectrum in dentistry For decades, dental anesthesia has existed in two distinct categories: topical anesthetics, which provide mild surface numbing, and injectable anesthetics (carpules), which deliver profound anesthesia but require a needle. Until now, there has been no middle ground—no option that could deliver … Read more
Local anesthetics (LAs) are indispensable in dental practice, providing effective pain management for many procedures. Their administration is generally safe; however, dentists must remain vigilant regarding potential adverse events, some of which, though rare, can be severe. This article delves into the safe use of local anesthetics in dentistry, emphasizing the importance of preventing and … Read more
The American Dental Association (ADA) has updated their clinical practice guidelines to recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat acute dental pain for patients 12 and older. NSAIDs were found to effectively manage dental pain when immediately dental care is not available. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be taken on their own or … Read more
The American Dental Association (ADA) released a new guideline that is supporting opioid limits and recommending acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when managing dental pain in children. The guidelines was developed by the ADA Science & Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University … Read more
Introduction These are unprecedented times. The opioid crises strain our communities. The challenge for dental practitioners mirrors the need for new pathways. Being successful with patient treatment is imperative for all practicing dentists. Treatment success is determined by the outcome for the patient. Patients care primarily for levels of morbidity and only then for esthetics, … Read more
On a Friday afternoon, a dentist’s mind raced. Her patient was asking for a fifth refill of Percocet. The dentist was positive that the pain from a third molar extraction had passed and feared the patient had a substance dependence disorder. The patient complained of stabbing shoulder pain in addition to a residual ache in … Read more
Targets to eliminate pain after surgery are a major cause of the opioid crisis in several countries, according to a new report co-authored by Professor Lesley Colvin of the University of Dundee. Published in The Lancet, the report brings together global evidence detailing the role of surgery in the opioid crisis. The authors conclude that pain … Read more
The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has started to use new opioid-free pain management guidelines in most outpatient procedures done in its clinics, in what may be a first in schools across the nation. For decades, doctors have routinely prescribed opioid pain relievers for procedures such as the extraction of wisdom teeth, according … Read more
Struggling to assess pain based on a zero-to-ten scale is not an uncommon issue when doctors treat patients, especially because the concept of how painful something is can vary from person to person. It’s difficult to put a number on pain at the labor room. It’s difficult at an emergency room. And it’s difficult after … Read more
The National Institute of Health is putting its money where its mouth is in the opioid crisis by shelling out nearly $12 million for a long-term study to determine if non-addictive pain medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are as effective as opioids following dental procedures. The multi-year study will be headed up by the Rutgers … Read more
by Carla Weeks – Globe and Mail, March 14, 2011 Tylenol 3 and Percocets are routinely used for dental pain – READ THIS ARTICLE – click on link and then read below…….. Some family physicians write dramatically higher numbers of prescriptions for powerful opioid painkillers than others, according to a new study that warns major problems … Read more