Common Pain Relievers Better Than Opioids For Dental Pain Relief, Study Finds
In continuing coverage, The New York Times (April 25, Bakalar, Subscription Publication) reports a review of studies of medication and medication combinations for pain relief. It shows “over-the-counter pain pills are safer and more effective than prescription opioids for controlling the pain following dental procedures”. Study co-author Dr. Anita Aminoshariae, an associate professor at Case Western University, said, “You have to start with an NSAID,” adding, “If that doesn’t work, add Tylenol. No one should go home in pain, but opioids should not be the first choice”. The study was published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.
HealthDay (4/25, Preidt) reports the study also found that “opioids or drug combinations that included opioids caused the greatest number of side effects”. Namely, drowsiness, respiratory problems, nausea/vomiting and constipation – in both children and adults. Moreover, this suggests that common pain relievers may be better than opioids in terms of medication. The study referenced above is one of four cover articles in the April issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association focusing on the subject of opioids and dentistry. The other cover articles examine opioid prescribing patterns among US dentists; disparities in opioid prescriptions for Medicaid dental patients; and prescription monitoring programs.
For more information about opioids, including upcoming webinars and prescriber tips, visit ADA.org/opioids. In addition, the ADA Practical Guide to Substance Use Disorders and Safe Prescribing helps dental practitioners identify and treat patients more. For instance, for drug addiction, preventing drug diversion. Also, properly managing and prescribing controlled substances.
Article from: ADA Morning Huddle
Lorin Berland, DDS