Of Dry Sockets and Preemptive Opioids

Removal of third molars is accompanied by the ever-present reality of patients occasionally developing localized alveolar osteitis —dry socket. Since telephone prescriptions for Schedule II drugs are technically permitted but, for practical purposes, virtually impossible, should hydrocodone be provided to everyone at the time of surgery “just in case” symptoms of dry socket develop? If so, are you convinced hydrocodone ac tually helps dry socket pain better than NSAIDs-acetaminophen? Thirty-plus years of private practice clinical experience have convinced me oral analgesics are largely ineffective for dry socket, and localized treatment is the only satisfactory remedy for it—not just satisfactory but usually dramat ic.
Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research