Mechanisms of Variability in the Analgesic Response to Ibuprofen Following Third Molar Extraction
University of Pennsylvania
Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, are recommended as first-line treatment for post-surgical dental pain. However, there is variability in analgesic response, and some patients require supplemental opioids for adequate pain relief. The goal of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to the need for opioid after third molar extraction to help limit unnecessary opioid prescriptions in patients who will have good pain relief with ibuprofen alone.
Description
The dramatic increase in opioid prescriptions over the past years has been linked to the concomitant rise in opioid addiction and to deaths from opioid abuse. Young adults' initial exposure to opioid analgesics is often following extraction of their impacted third molars, with an average of 5,000,000 cases in the USA per year. Over-prescribing of opioids for surgical pain, often 2-5 times more than patients actually use, further exacerbates this problem, as patients tend to save leftover pills rather than discard them. Up to 70% of individuals who become addicted to prescription opioids had ac…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 3. Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the study treatment regimen 4. Men and women greater than 18 years of age requiring extraction of at least one impacted mandibular third molar tooth (at least 50% covered with bone). 5. Absence of other major medical problems or contraindications to surgery or study drugs. 6. Female subjects of child bearing potential must be using a medically acceptable…
Location
- University of Pennsylvania School of Dental MedicinePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania