Opioids and Pain Management

This paper provides information on pain management, including opioid use, for pregnant women during dental procedures. Pharmacological considerations, including indications, contraindications, and special considerations for pharmacological agents are presented. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome is discussed, and guidelines for prescribing opioids are presented. Also included is information about prescription drug monitoring programs and managing acute dental pain, as well as recommendations for discharging women with prescriptions. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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This document provides guidance on opioids for oral health professionals. It includes information about assessing children and adolescents, drugs to recommend before prescribing opioids, prescribing opioids with caution and being aware of the potential for misuse or abuse, and understanding laws, policies, and recommendations. The document also discusses providing post-operative instructions and creating a safe, friendly environment. Information about prescription-drug-monitoring programs and managing acute oral pain are included, along with tips for dentists to share with parents and an overview of research. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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This table provides examples of the relationship between oral health and mental health problems and substance use. It addresses the relationship between oral health and mental health problems (i.e., anxiety, bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, eating disorders, issues related to trauma). It also addresses the relationship between oral health and use of substances such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids, as well as the relationship between oral health and substance-use-disorder treatment medications. The impact of oral health problems on mental health problems and substance use is also examined.

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This document provides recommendations for the management of opioid use for pregnant women, including pregnant women with opioid-use disorder, and for care of the opioid-exposed newborn. Topics include clinical recommendations, health-systems and policy recommendations, definitions, and resources and collaborative approaches.

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This document for dentists provides guidelines on prescribing opioids. Appropriate dosages, types of medication to prescribe, prescribing refills, using guidelines for pain management, and ensuring that patients know how to secure medication and dispose of leftover medication are discussed. Alternatives to prescribing opioids are presented. Information is included on how to obtain the document in large print, Braille, non- English languages, or other formats.

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This guide provides information for a pregnant woman’s family about opioid misuse and treatment during pregnancy. The guide explains what an opioid use disorder is and discusses the importance of comprehensive prenatal care and treatment for pregnant women with the disorder, delivery, newborn health, breastfeeding, social supports, and what to expect in the weeks and months after delivery.

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