As dentists, we must be careful about prescribing opioids. But aside from concerns about addiction, are there other things we should keep in mind? Is the opioid alone the only thing we need to consider? No, we may be missing the other danger—acetaminophen.
Dentists are often implicated as the culprits of the opioid epidemic because they are some of the top prescribers. Many opioids are prescribed needlessly; that’s why obtaining an accurate medical history is so important.
In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, Drs. Tom Viola and Pamela Maragliano-Muniz discuss what to be aware of when prescribing opioids as well as how to determine if patients are at risk for liver toxicity.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial codirector of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
