Updated ADA Opioids Prescription Statement

The ADA recently released an updated statement regarding the use of opioids to treat dental pain. The 10-point statement stresses dentist-patient discussion, a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, and the recommendation for dentists to consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics as the first-line therapy for acute pain management.

Review the full statement at ADA.org.

It’s important to note that the evolving approach toward treating dental pain stems from a 2013 Journal of the American Dental Association study in which researchers noted similar, and sometimes superior, pain relief could be achieved through the combined use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. That study can be reviewed at JADA.ada.org.