Prosthodontics Treatment Considerations for Methamphetamine‐Dependent Patients

Abstract

Overt dental disease is a distinguishing comorbidity associated with methamphetamine abuse, necessitating the need for special management to maximize treatment benefits. As this highly addictive stimulant increases in popularity, it has become imperative that clinicians are equipped to thoughtfully provide comprehensive care for these patients. This article reviews the impact of methamphetamine to systemic and oral health and proposes a comprehensive treatment plan and sequence for the methamphetamine-dependent patient. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Destructive oral and psychological changes must be identified and controlled. A thorough risk assessment, caries control, and preventative plan should be established before initiating prosthodontic treatment. Patient motivation, support, and a timely recall schedule are integral for dental longevity.

Illegal drugs and periodontal conditions

“…Gantos et al 109 perthermia. 110 The short-term behavioral effects include intensified emotions, euphoria, aggression, talkativeness, increased alertness, insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite, increased respiration and hyperthermia, increased sensory perception, and sense of closeness to other people.…”

“…Gantos et al 109 divided the medical general effects of methamphetamine use into two main groups: behavioral/psychological changes and poor nutrition. The behavioral/physiologic effects of MA are well known and they are related to sympathomimetic manifestations, in turn caused by the stimulation of the nervous system via the adrenal glands, which increases heart rate and tachypnea via vasoconstriction and bronchodilation, fatal kidney disease, and hyperthermia 110 .…”

“…Because meth mouth is a condition with devastating effects on oral conditions, thoughtful considerations about the patient's dental management are necessary. The key to successful dental treatment starts with the cessation of ecstasy 109 . Dentists should first comprehensively evaluate to what extent the patient can actively participate in the dental treatment.…”

As repercussões da metanfetamina na prevalência de lesões cariosas – revisão de literatura

“…A metanfetamina atinge o Sistema Nervoso Central, estimulando a liberação e o bloqueio da recaptação de serotonina, dopamina e noradrenalina, os quais desempenham uma função de recompensação do corpo. Assim, há uma maior atuação desses neutrotransmissores na sinapses, aumentando o prazer dos indivíduos (PANENKA et al, 2013;RUSYNIAK, 2014;GANTOS et al, 2015). No que concerne aos efeitos colaterais de overdose, podem ocorrer acidentes vasculares cerebrais, agitação, convulsões, hipertermia, transpiração, taquicardia e hipertensão em estado agudo e, se não tratada eventualmente, o paciente pode vir a óbito.…”

“…Porém, há uma busca significativa por cirurgiões-dentistas, devido às taxas elevadas de lesões cariosas severas e perda precoce de dentes (GANTOS et al, 2015). Um dos problemas bucais mais relevantes provocados pela metanfetamina consiste na cárie dental, cuja alta incidência está relacionada ao comprometimento das glândulas salivares.…”