MANAGING ORAL REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS UNDER BENZODIAZEPINE THERAPY

Cristina Stanescu, Doriana Agop Forna, Norina Consuela Forna, Marius Vacaru-Carnaru, Alina Plesea Condratovici

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.56

Abstract

Patients with anxiety disorders present unique challenges in oral rehabilitation, particularly when treated with benzodiazepines such as diazepam. While these medications are effective in managing anxiety, their side effects, xerostomia, neuromuscular relaxation, cognitive impairment, and reduced compliance can significantly impact prosthetic outcomes. This review explores the clinical, behavioral, and pharmacological implications of benzodiazepine therapy in dental care, focusing on treatment planning, prosthetic design, and patient management. A comprehensive understanding of the drug’s effects and patient psychology is crucial for tailoring interventions that ensure safety and functional success. Communication with the patient’s mental health provider, simplified prosthetic designs, adapted hygiene strategies, and ethical considerations such as informed consent are essential components of care. Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances outcomes, reduces complications, and supports long-term prosthesis tolerance. Ultimately, rehabilitation goals must be realistic, prioritizing comfort, function, and quality of life over aesthetic or technical idealism. This approach aligns with patient-centered care and ensures that individuals with psychiatric conditions receive equitable, effective oral rehabilitation.