Medical History Mysteries: Local anesthetics for pediatric patients

March 15, 2022
Drs. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz and Tom Viola discuss the three types of medications used most in dentistry and how they relate to your youngest patients, as well as which local anesthetics are safest.

The one word that matters most in pediatric dentistry when it comes to anesthesia is dose. Do you know the pediatric dose of the medication you are giving your patient? Further, do you know the maximum pediatric dose?

The key to remember is that kids are not little adults. You must know whether the specific drug you’re using is safe for your specific pediatric patent. We can’t make any assumptions because kids have systemic illnesses just like adults do.

In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, we’ll talk about what types of local anesthetics are safe for children and what types of injection techniques work best. We’ll also look at the three types of medications used most in dentistry and how they relate to your youngest patients.

More Medical History Mysteries videos:

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

Related:

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, named chief editor of DentistryIQ

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

Updated February 10, 2022