Adjunct Post-Operative Analgesia Following Uncomplicated 3rd Molar Removal

Abstract

Extraction of 3rd molars is a routine procedure performed in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practices. Postoperative analgesia and recovery is a primary concern for patients undergoing removal of 3rd molars. Uncontrolled postoperative pain has been shown to interfere with quality of life, delay recovery, and even contribute to long term unfavorable sequelae of surgery such as chronic pain. Extraction of 3rd molars is widely performed on an outpatient basis and thus postoperative analgesia is patient directed, often with assistance from narcotic analgesics, NSAIDs, or a combination of these. Prescription drug abuse is a public health crisis in the United States. In 2016, 42,249 persons died of an opioid related drug overdose. Narcotic use following surgical procedures can lead to dependency and addiction. In 2016, new persistent opioid use after surgical procedures was 5.9% - 6.5%, this was similar for both minor and major surgical procedures.