Cocaine abuse: orofacial manifestations and implications for dental treatment

Millions of individuals in Europe and the United States use cocaine regularly. Use of cocaine may have several orofacial effects such as perforation of nasal septum and palate, gingival lesions and erosion of tooth surfaces. Recent use of cocaine may also increase medical risks during dental treatment, especially when local anaesthetics with epinephrine or epinephrine-impregnated retraction cords are used. Therefore, it is recommended to postpone dental treatment at least 6 to 24 hours after the use of cocaine.