Are Opioids Necessary after Third Molar Extraction?

Drug overdose has become the leading cause of death in Americans under age 50, with 66% from opioid abuse, and the FDA has declared an opioid epidemic in the US. As of 2016, more than 289 million prescriptions per year were for opioids, and 12-17 year olds were one-third of all new abusers. The majority of patients seen by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) for wisdom tooth removal fall into this age group, and OMSs commonly prescribe opioids for several days for post-operative analgesia. However, as more evidence is presented, it is apparent that opioids may not be required routinely, and adequate pain control may be achieved with NSAID medications.

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