Cannabis-Based Therapies for Chronic Orofacial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/3e686644Keywords:
Cannabis; Cannabinoids; Chronic pain; Orofacial pain; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Periodontitis; Oral cancer; Analgesics; Dentistry; Systematic review; Meta-analysis.Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of cannabis-based therapies in managing chronic pain associated with TMDs, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Chronic orofacial pain, especially in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), presents a challenge in dental practice. Traditional treatments often have adverse effects and limited efficacy. Cannabis has emerged as a potential alternative due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, cohort, and case-control studies was conducted using five databases. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. Six studies were included. Cannabis showed significant pain relief in oral cancer (OR=1.46; 95% CI: 1.24-1.71), while effects in TMDs and periodontitis were inconclusive. Cannabis may benefit oral cancer pain management; further studies are needed for TMDs and periodontitis.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tatiana Cruz Moreno, María Romero Guerrero, Diego Quiguango Farias, Sandra Vélez Cevallos, Eliana Pazmiño Troncoso, Alisson Juiña Jaime, Luis Chauca Bajaña, Alejandro I. Lorenzo-Pouso, Héctor Zambrano Aguilar, Byron Velásquez Ron.
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