How Persistent is Opioid Use after Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

I had the pleasure to speak with Dr. Chad Brummett, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Brummett co-authored a recent article that looked at the risk of persistent opioid use following wisdom tooth extraction, a common dental procedure. The group of researchers were mostly interested in filled prescriptions by young adults and teens, and particularly opioid-naive patients, those who had not filled an opioid prescription before. 

Dr. Brummett is also a member of the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, (Michigan OPEN), which aims to ensure appropriate acute pain care, while protecting patients and communities. The group believes that addressing opioid prescribing during the acute care period among opioid-naive patients has the greatest potential to reduce the number of chronic opioid users and minimize unintended distribution of prescription opioids into communities. To learn more about their work, head to their website and check out some of the great initiatives they’ve got going. 

We would like to hear from you and know your thoughts and questions about this topic. If you wish to reach us, it’s quite easy: email us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca or call our toll-free number 1-855-716-2747.

Until next time!

Chiraz Guessaier, CDA Oasis Manager