Study: Are Dentists Prescribing Too Many Opioids?

Do you really need opioids after visiting the dentist? A study from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine found that over-the-counter medications could outperform prescription opioids. Researchers examined data from over 1,800 patients who had their wisdom teeth removed, and discovered that those taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen reported less pain than those who took opioids. The non-opioid group also experienced better sleep quality. “For a while, we’ve been talking about not needing to prescribe opioids,” Dr. Cecile Feldman said. Dentists wrote 9 million opioid prescriptions in 2022. (Study Finds)