Most people have wisdom teeth removed when they are under theage of 25 years and leave surgery with an opioid prescription. Dentists are now replacing opioids with ibuprofen (NSAIDs) andacetaminophen, which are just as effective as painkillers.
Key takeaways:
– Receiving an opioid prescription in high school is linked with agreater risk of ‘lifetime illicit use’ of opioids
– 80% of heroin users started with prescription opioids
– Speak to your dentist if you are concerned about opioid use
“They’re getting their first taste of the drug from a doctor or dentist, and that increases the likelihood they woulduse it recreationally.”
Read the full story here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/opinion/dentists-opioids-addiction-.html