buccally

Buccally is an adverb describing something related to the cheek or to the buccal mucosa, the lining of the inside of the cheek. In medical and dental contexts, the term is commonly used to indicate the route or location of action, particularly the administration of drugs through the buccal mucosa or placement against the buccal surface of a tooth. The word derives from Latin buccalis, from bucca meaning cheek.

Anatomical context: The buccal mucosa lines the inside of the cheeks and forms part of the oral mucosa, continuous with the gingival and palatal regions. It overlies the buccinator muscle and is covered by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in many areas, with underlying connective tissue containing minor salivary glands. This mucosa is well vascularized, which contributes to its suitability for certain forms of topical or systemic drug absorption.

Pharmacological usage: Buccal administration refers to placing a drug between the cheek and gum or against the buccal mucosa to enable absorption through the oral mucosa directly into the systemic circulation, thereby bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver. Common dosage forms include buccal tablets, films, and sprays. Advantages of buccal delivery include rapid onset and avoidance of degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, while limitations can include mucosal irritation, small-dose requirements, and variability in absorption due to saliva flow and mucosal condition.

Dentistry and anatomy: The buccal surface of a tooth faces the cheek, as opposed to the lingual or palatal surfaces. Buccal tissues and procedures refer to the region adjacent to the inner cheek, including areas involved in restorations, extractions, and grafts.