Dental Treatment Planning For Patients Using Cannabis

Dental Treatment Planning Considerations in Patients Using Cannabis Sarah E. Grafton1, Alexandre R Vieira2 1. Department of Comprehensive Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine 2. Department of Oral Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine ABSTRACT Background and Overview. There is a deficit in clinical research on the potential risks involved in treating dental patients using cannabis, either for medicinal or recreational purposes. The aim of this case report is to illustrate the wide variety of available cannabis options and their potential impacts on dental treatment. Case Description. A 27-year-old African American male presented to the dental clinic with nonrestorable molar requiring extraction. During the review of his medical history, the patient reported taking a â€Å"dab† of marijuana approximately five hours prior to his appointment. Due to the admission of recent illicit drug use, no treatment was rendered. The patient was offered an appointment the next day but refused citing the bias in regard to cannabis use. Conclusions and Practical Implications. The number of Americans using marijuana is rising rapidly. Pending legalization in most states will require dentists to address the possible effects of this increase on dental practices. It is imperative dental providers make clinical decisions based upon scientific evidence regarding the pharmacological and psychological effects of cannabis, not on the societal stigma