CBD – we see it almost everywhere now. Yoga studios, grocery stores, hemp shops, pet stores…but what about using CBD in dentistry?
Let’s dig a little deeper into the mystical world of CBD.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, known the world over as marijuana. However, the plant’s chemical composition yields 120 cannabinoids and within this classification is a type called cannabidiol, or CBD. It is often sold in the form of an oil, cream, gummy, or spray. Depending on your method of administration, the effects can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours to kick in.
What are the suggested benefits of CBD?
- Eases anxiety
- Regulates the immune system
- Inhibits plaque formation
- Reduces bacterial content of dental plaque
- Lowers metabolic activity of existing biofilms
- Controls inflammation
That sounds good. Can I offer CBD to patients in my office? Especially the anxious ones?
Here’s where things get tricky. Because the regulations around CBD are so ambiguous, it might be in your best interest to either steer clear for the time being, or have a candid talk with your malpractice attorney.
Tom Viola, RPH CCP, states in this video that the varying qualities of CBD from one manufacturer to another are a bit too tumultuous to trust. CBD must be naturally derived from the hemp plant with a very low percentage of THC in order to be considered legal.
This hasn’t stopped companies from experimenting with synthetic alternatives, on occasion leading to unexpected side effects. For example, a synthetically-produced CBD oil might be significantly stronger than a natural one. Why? Technically, synthetic alternatives aren’t expected to follow the same rules. Therefore, THC levels may be bumped up a few notches to increase efficacy.
Dosage is also unclear. What works for one person might not work for another, leaving you, the practitioner, wondering if it’s going to work as quickly or effectively as you’d like. Tolerance levels can vary greatly outside usual factors like weight, height and age.
From a malpractice perspective, rules around CBD administration by a dentist aren’t wholly developed. It’s not clear if your office would be protected against a disgruntled patient who, in hindsight, felt they were too “high” when agreeing to an extraction.
Are there any negative side effects to using CBD?
According to RDH Magazine, there are a few possible drawbacks to CBD usage. It is suggested that the following may be attributed to use:
- liver injury
- possible reaction when mixed with alcohol or other drugs
- damage to fertility
Regardless, CBD is on the rise and worth keeping an eye on as the regulations surrounding its medical use are clarified.
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