title: Pain management in adult dental patients: the art and science of successful regimens.
abstract: Pain is a protective mechanism for the body; it occurs whenever any tissues are being damaged, and it causes the individual to react to remove the pain stimulus. Most ailments of the body cause pain, and the ability to diagnose different diseases depends to a considerable extent on the physician's knowledge of the various qualities of pain. In dentistry, pain may be expected, i.e., caused by dental procedures, and its management should commence preoperatively. This article is a review of pharmacologic pain management in adult dental patients. It discusses the pharmacology and therapeutic utilization of opioid and nonopioid analgesics and the selection of single and combined analgesic regimens.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003729:Dental Care; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal