Do dentists prescribe narcotics excessively?
Dealing with pain is an inevitable sequela to dental treatment. Although several drug regimens primarily involving narcotics have been used in the past, availability of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has increased recently. A study was conducted to analyze dental prescribing patterns for analgesics. Data analysis of a survey of 130 dentists revealed that respondents still rely on narcotic analgesics for pain relief and generally exceed needed potency and quantities in their prescribing habits. Dentists are treating rather than preventing pain, and NSAIDs are underused.
Aldous
J A
JA
Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA.
Engar
R C
RC
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D014081:Tooth Extraction
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal