Abstract

OPIOIDS IN DENTISTRY

Dr. Laxmikanth Chatra, *Dr. Muhsina CH, Dr. Prashanth Shenoy, Dr. Veena KM and Dr. Rachana Prabhu

ABSTRACT

Opioid analgesics are used for the treatment of pain and related disorders for years. It act by binding to opioid receptors, such as MOP (mu), KOP (kappa), DOP (delta) and NOP (nociceptin orphanin FQ peptide receptor), and all these receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors. Opioid Analgesics are important for the management of pain, but its improper use poses a threat to the individual and society. So when prescribing the opioids clinician should try to reduce the adverse effect as well as misuse, abuse and diversion. So non opioid analgesic agents should be considered as the first line of therapy for the management of pain. And there is high prevalence of certain oral diseases like dental caries and periodontitis in opioid addicts and dentist should be aware of high anxiety level of opioid addicts. Opioid addicts may have high prevalence for infections, so adequate precautions should be taken while treating a patient with drug dependence. So, this review mainly focuses on the opioids, its uses, misuses, role of dentists in preventing misuse and dental considerations of opioid addicts.

Keywords: Opioid analgesics, opioids and dentistry, opioid considerations.