Cannabidiol (CBD ) Oil in Clinical Practice
By: Dr. Amy Dukoff
Does CBD oil benefit patient care? Absolutely, Yes! I find that placing a few drops of CBD under the tongue before root canal may aid in reducing the patient’s anxiety. Many times patients present themselves with unanticipated anxiety before the root canal therapy. Since the patient is in the chair, administrating a medication such as valium would be unrealistic. Valium medication is not readily kept in a dental office for use for anxious patients. However, CBD oils are readily available to the clinician and can be easily administered orally in the chair at the appointment time. Personally, I like using the CBD oils to allay my patients fear and anxiety.
What is CBD oil’s best usage for dentistry? In clinical practice, I have found that all the CBD oils are effective whether with delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC) or THC free. I do ask the patient if they have a preference for a flavor and with or without THC. Isolate CBD is pure CBD without the THC in a noticeable form. And full spectrum CBD oil contain some THC. CBD is derived from both Cannabis Sativa (C.sativa) or Cannabis Indica (C. Indica). In the 1970, researchers separated the Cannabis species of plants into subspecies. CBD oils contain different amounts of ingredients such as CBD, THC, flavonoids, terpenes, tocopherols and polyphenols (PMID: 32906622). Therefore, the brand is important when selecting a CBD oil.
How do I use CBD oil in practice? I use a few drops under the tongue. Usually I use between 0.5 - 1.0 ml. To dispense it, I utilize a 1 cc disposable syringe. Since I have be applying Wolff Budd’s CBD oil under the tongue before dental treatment, my patients have experienced a calming effect. It has been effective to reduce anxiety for my patients. Utilizing CBD oil has been a good alternative to prescription medications.