PHARMACOGENETICS IN DENTISTRY: ADVANCES AND PERSPECTIVES IN PERSONALISED THERAPY

Abstract

Pharmacogenetics investigates how individual differences in genetic profile can influence the response to drugs, which is an innovative strategy with great potential for application in dentistry. This narrative review analyses scientific publications that address the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and the use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics in dental practice. The search was carried out in national scientific databases, namely: Recima21, FAPESP and official documents from health bodies and regulatory entities, such as the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), between 2010 and 2025, using the descriptors pharmacogenetics, dentistry, therapeutics, local anaesthetics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. The main findings showed that polymorphisms in genes such as CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP3A5, VKORC1 and ABCB1 influence the efficacy and safety of analgesics, antiinflammatories, antibiotics and anaesthetics used in dentistry, and can alter the response to therapy, as well as leading to risks and adverse effects. In this respect, pharmacogenetics can make prescribing safer and more personalised, reducing failures and adverse events. However, its application is still limited as it requires large population studies, trained professionals, robust data and specific clinical protocols in dentistry.