Acute Care Opioid Treatment and Prescribing Recommendations: Dental

Dental

Pre-Procedure

• Opioid prescriptions should not be written prior to completing a dental procedure.
• Communicate a conservative philosophy by emphasizing the efficacy and appropriateness of over the counter medications’ analgesic properties.
• Address dental pain through clinical intervention rather than opioid pain relief.
• Refer patients to a free or low-cost dental program in the absence of insurance or financial constraints.

Prescribing

• The prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) must be accessed prior to prescribing controlled substances schedules 2-5, in compliance with Michigan law.
• Conduct full dental and medical history of the patient and include analysis of current medications.
• Identify any high-risk behaviors or diagnoses (previous substance use disorders, alcohol or tobacco use, psychiatric comorbidities including depression or anxiety).
• Non-opioid therapies (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) should be encouraged as the primary treatment.
• Non-pharmacologic therapies (e.g., acupuncture, mindful practice) should be encouraged when the patient is open to these alternative solutions to pain control.
• For breakthrough or severe pain, short-acting opioids (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone) should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for no more than 3-5 day courses.
• Do not co-prescribe opioids with other sedatives or CNS depressant medications (e.g., benzodiazepines).
• Consider offering a naloxone co-prescription to patients who may be at increased risk for overdose, including those with a history of overdose, a substance use disorder, those already prescribed benzodiazepines, and patients who are receiving higher doses of opioids (e.g., >50 MME/Day).

For patients discharged with an opioid prescription

• Discuss the expectations regarding recovery and pain management goals with the patient.
• Educate patient and parent/guardian (for minors) regarding safe use of opioids, potential side effects, overdose risks, and developing dependence or addiction as required by Michigan law.
• Emphasize not using opioids concomitantly with alcohol or other sedative medications (e.g., benzodiazepines).
• Educate patient on tapering of opioids as dental/oral pain resolves.
• Refer to Michigan-Open.org for additional patient resources.