melatonin

Melatonin to Reduce Pain and Swelling Following Wisdom Teeth Removal

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An interesting article titled “The Effect of Local Melatonin Application Following the Removal of an Impacted Mandibular Third Molar” appears in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery written by Shaimaa Mohsen Refahee and et. al. The article seeks to measure the effect of applying melatonin in the socket of an impacted lower wisdom tooth with osteogenic activity, painkilling effect, and anti-inflammatory effect. A prior article exploring the use of melatonin after wisdom teeth extraction has been discussed on this site before see Should Melatonin be Used for Wisdom Teeth Surgery?. In the current article, the authors conducted a prospective, randomized, blinded trial comprised of patients who required removal of the impacted lower wisdom tooth. Melatonin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, which could potentially limit problems like intrabony defects and bone loss associated … Read more

Should Melatonin be Used for Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

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An interesting article titled “Should Melatonin Be Used as an Alternative Sedative and Anxiolytic Agent in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery?” written by Torun et al. appears in the 2019 edition of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The article seeks to compare the effects of melatonin and midazolam in patients having wisdom teeth removed. Melatonin has been discussed on this site before as a supplement that can be taken to help with sleep at night and for migraine prevention, see the post Melatonin may be more effective than Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention. In the article by Torun the authors describe how sedatives are often given for wisdom teeth surgery but they can depress both the respiratory and cardiac systems and thus this requires increased cost for patient monitoring. When describing melatonin the authors mention how melatonin has sedative, analgesic, … Read more

Melatonin may be more effective than Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention

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Melatonin is an over the counter supplement and it has shown to be more effective than placebo for migraine prevention. In addition, it has a more favorable adverse effect profile than the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. A study from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that 3 mg of melatonin was more effective than placebo and had similar efficacy as 25 mg of amitriptyline. In addition, melatonin is better tolerated then amitriptyline without as much daytime sleepiness and no side effects of weight gain. Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep and wake cycle. It is often used to aid with sleep and help with jet lag. I have used melatonin (3mg or more most nights) to aid with falling asleep when it was suggested by a physician due to trouble falling asleep ever since having a … Read more