Uses of Corticosteroids in Dentistry

Synthetic Corticosteroids or steroids since the early 1940s have been developed for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Dental patients with the history of corticosteroid usage may require special consideration before and after any dental treatment. In dentistry, corticosteroids are mainly useful in reducing post-surgical edema, which can cause postsurgical pain. Oral lichen planus, oral sub mucous fibrosis, pemphigus vulgaris, erythema multiforme, aphthous stomatitis and allergic reaction respond very well to topical or systemic corticosteroids. Corticosteroids should be avoided in viral lesions such as herpes simplex because they show high potential for exacerbation of the infection due to immune system suppression. Topical and inhaled corticosteroid does not require any type of supplementation. Contraindications of usage of corticosteroids include chronic condition such as diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, cataracts, viral infections etc. Long term usage of corticosteroids affects the central nervous system resulting in euphoria, sleeplessness, restlessness and psychosis.