Teens & Prescription Opioid Use

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 40 Americans die from prescription opioid overdoses every day. As the opioid crisis grows, so does our expanded public knowledge—such as the realization that addiction to this family of drugs often begins with an innocent prescription.

Many teens first experience opioids when a dentist prescribes them to control the pain of wisdom tooth extraction, root canal treatment, or other oral surgery. While legitimate, this initial exposure increases the likelihood of future opioid addiction by 33%. Teens are also prone to opioid abuse due to the fact that the prefrontal cortex region of the brain—the portion that manages reason and impulse control—is not fully developed until reaching the early- to mid-20s.

Whalen Dentistry wants your child’s dental care to be effective, comfortable, and above all—safe. If you have any concerns about dental surgery and your teen or you’re just looking for a kind, knowledgeable dentist, contact Whalen Dentistry to make an appointment today. We’ll answer all your questions and put your mind at ease!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.