Opioids are quite commonly used by as an anaesthetic during the removal of wisdom teeth and other surgical procedures. They can also be prescribed as a painkiller following surgery but there is a small risk of patients becoming addicted to the drugs.
Opioids are addictive drugs and must be monitored and regulated carefully. Many dentists now prefer to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including:
– Aspirin
– Advil
– Tylenol
Although many people take opioids without a problem there is an element of risk for patients that “have a predisposition to addiction” according to a New York Times article.