New guidelines for pain control in adult dental patients

Aug. 7, 2024

The ADA recently published guidelines on treating postoperative acute pain in adolescents, adults, and older adults. Join us in Medical History Mysteries as we discuss what you need to know about prescribing pain medication for adult dental patients.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

Earlier this year the ADA published guidelines on treating postoperative acute pain in adolescents, adults, and older adults. The guidelines include dosages, but they may not be the ones you’ve historically used.

Spoiler alert: Opioids are still on the table as part of the management of simple pain—don’t be afraid to prescribe them. The key is if opioids are needed, prescribe them not in place of but in addition to other types of pain medication (specifically acetaminophen).

Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we discuss what you need to know about prescribing NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and opioids for pain in adult dental patients.

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director 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].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.