Adrenal insufficiency / chronic steroid therapy
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) = inadequate cortisol production. Includes primary AI (Addison's disease), secondary/tertiary AI (pituitary/hypothalamic), and glucocorticoid-induced AI (HPA suppression from chronic steroid therapy — risk when ≥4-6 mg prednisone equivalent for ≥3-4 weeks per Endocrine Society 2024). Dental relevance: (1) adrenal crisis risk under severe stress, infection, or missed steroid doses (rare in dental settings), (2) stress-dose steroid decisions for procedures, and (3) routine dentistry under LA generally does NOT require supplemental steroids.
The full condition entry includes
- Safe vs avoid lists: antibiotics, analgesics, local anesthetics
- Vasoconstrictor limits and treatment modifications
- Pre/intra/post-op monitoring and deferral criteria
- Emergency management, explained for study
More medical conditions in dentistry
Dentalverse is an educational resource for dental students and dentists. This page is a study reference — it is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow your institution's protocols and your supervisor's guidance.