CBD, short for cannabidiol, is derived from hemp, a cultivar of the cannabis sativa plant. It lacks the THC responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis and unlike cannabis, it’s completely legal in the United States.
CBD has been making headlines in the past few years due to studies that show that it may help with issues like pain, inflammation, and anxiety. In this article, we’ll discuss a few potential uses that CBD may have in dentistry.
Controlling Inflammation After Oral Surgery and Treatment
CBD has been shown by some clinical studies to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This means that it may have potential for treating the inflammation caused by oral surgery, such as dental implants.
It may also be useful for relieving inflammation caused by gum disease and controlling inflammation after periodontal treatments like deep cleanings (scaling and root planning). CBD has also been shown to have bactericidal properties, meaning it could help prevent and control infections in the mouth.
Treating Anxiety as an Alternative to Sedation
For patients looking for an alternative way to treat dental anxiety, CBD may be a good choice. CBD has been studied by scientists as an alternative for treating a variety of anxiety disorders, and may help reduce feelings of discomfort and panic attacks at the dentist.
Using CBD, patients may be able to eschew traditional types of sedation like nitrous oxide and oral sedation and their side effects, while still getting relief from their discomfort and anxiety during their treatment.
Post-Treatment Pain Management
CBD has been shown to have strong analgesic (pain-relieving) effects when used to treat difficult-to-manage pain. This means that CBD may be a potential alternative to other pharmaceuticals when it comes to the treatment and management of pain after an oral surgery like a tooth extraction or implant placement.
While traditional pharmaceuticals like opiates are effective at controlling pain, they are highly habit-forming, and often cause uncomfortable side effects like nausea. CBD may offer a more natural method of pain management, free of any side effects.
The Future of CBD in Dentistry is Bright
Though more studies must be conducted before CBD is approved for use in dentistry, it certainly has a lot of potential, and may be a useful tool for dentists when treating pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Due to its all-natural composition and lack of any serious side effects, we would not be surprised to see CBD usage increase dramatically in dental offices in the future.