Introduction to corticosteroids used in dentistry

This topic covers practical information on using corticosteroids in dentistry. For comprehensive drug information, including precautions, contraindications, adverse effects and drug interactions, consult an appropriate drug information resource. For a more comprehensive discussion of corticosteroids, see Principles of immunomodulatory drug use.

If prescribing a corticosteroid, consider the benefit–harm profile of the drug in the individual patient; this requires knowledge of the patient’s medical history and concomitant medications, including prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines.

Corticosteroids are used in the management of many dental and oral mucosal inflammatory conditions. In dentistry, routes of administration of corticosteroids include:

• topical (on the oral mucosa)
• intradental (within a tooth)
• systemic (oral, intramuscular or intravenous administration).

The route of administration should be tailored to the clinical situation. In dentistry, intradental or topical corticosteroids are preferred because they are associated with fewer systemic adverse effects, and a local effect is often sufficient. Local intraoral injection of corticosteroids is not appropriate nor recommended for dental procedures.