Dental Dental Pharmacology

Question 1

Which local anesthetic is most commonly used in US dental offices for routine procedures?

Accepted Answer

Lidocaine (lignocaine)

Answer

Lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine is the most widely used dental local anesthetic in the United States due to its reliable efficacy and safety profile.

Question 2

What is the role of epinephrine (vasoconstrictor) when added to dental local anesthetic?

Accepted Answer

Prolongs duration and reduces systemic absorption

Answer

Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction at the injection site, slowing the absorption of the anesthetic into the bloodstream and thereby prolonging the duration of anesthesia while reducing toxicity.

Question 3

Which analgesic is considered first-line for mild to moderate dental pain in adults without contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen (NSAID)

Answer

Ibuprofen, an NSAID, is considered the first-line analgesic for dental pain due to its dual anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and favorable safety profile.

Question 4

Penicillin VK is the drug of choice for treating a dental abscess in a patient with no drug allergies. What is the typical adult dosage?

Accepted Answer

250–500 mg every 6 hours

Answer

The standard adult dental dosage for Penicillin VK is 250–500 mg taken every 6 hours (four times daily) for 7–10 days for odontogenic infections.

Question 5

Which antibiotic is the preferred alternative for a patient with a penicillin allergy who requires antibiotic coverage for a dental infection?

Accepted Answer

Clindamycin

Answer

Clindamycin is the recommended alternative antibiotic for patients allergic to penicillin who require treatment for odontogenic infections due to its excellent coverage of oral anaerobes.

Dental Practice Test

Dental Practice Test

Dental Dental Pharmacology