Whether you are going in for a crown, root canal, or simply to have your teeth cleaned, you may be given a prescription to an oral steroid by your dentist. When you get home, you may wonder why your dentist prescribed these steroids and whether they are safe to take long-term. Understanding the purpose of steroids in dental procedures and how these medications work will help you decide whether they are the right choice for you. Methylprednisolone or prednisole work differently depending on their purpose, so it is important to understand both applications before deciding whether they are right for you.
Methylprednisolone (Metipred) is a corticosteroid. It prevents your body from releasing substances in your immune system that cause inflammation. On the other hand, Prednisone is a brand name for another type of corticosteroid called prednisolone and does basically the same thing. Dentists sometimes prescribe both to treat pain and swelling following a stroke, nerve damage caused by diabetes or shingles, asthma attacks, eye disorders, and other health conditions. But since we are specifically looking at dental work, the medications are provided to treat your swelling and pain during or after oral procedures.
The answer to this question depends on several factors. While there are many reasons why your dentist may give you a prescription for Prednisolone, methylprednisolone, or even other medications, these drugs should be used sparingly because of their side effects. Suppose you are required to take an oral corticosteroid for your dental procedure. In that case, it will likely be for one of two reasons: to help prevent an allergic reaction or as a painkiller during and immediately after your procedure. Your dentist will have weighed all possible options before deciding that you need this medication to have your treatment completed safely. After all, at-home use of steroids can cause serious side effects over time. This is why they should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
For more information about Methylprednisolone and dental procedures, contact our professional dentists or visit us.
