Dentists and Oral Surgeons Beware: Some Suggested Ibuprofen-based Pain Regimens may Result in Severe Adverse Outcomes in Older Persons

Authors

Arthur H. Friedlander DMD, Professor-in-Residence, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, UCLA Dental School; Hospital Dental Service, Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
Ida K. Friedlander RN, RSN, MS, County of Los Angeles Department of Health
Soraya de A. Berti-Couto DDS, PhD, Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica of Paraná
Paulo H. Couto-Souza DDS, PhD, Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica of ParanáFollow

Keywords

non-steroidal antiinflammatory medication contraindications, NSAID induced myocardial infarction and stroke, non-narcotic pain management

Abstract

The origins of the current “opioid epidemic” sweeping America with its consequent overdose related deaths has resulted in numerous publications accusing the dental profession of excessively prescribing narcotic analgesics leading to the initial addictive episode. These allusions have prompted the national organization representing New York States’ almost 600 oral and maxillofacial surgeons to develop and promulgate in its official journal , a position paper detailing a non-narcotic pain management regimen to alleviate post operative discomfort. However, their pronouncement suggests prescribing a maximum daily dosage of ibuprofen which has previously been documented as causing myocardial infarction and stroke in vulnerable older individuals. This current publication, which is based upon our clinical experience, is simpler and more effective than a previously published plan suggested by the American Dental Association.

Recommended Citation

Friedlander, Arthur H. DMD; Friedlander, Ida K. RN, RSN, MS; Berti-Couto, Soraya de A. DDS, PhD; and Couto-Souza, Paulo H. DDS, PhD (2024) "Dentists and Oral Surgeons Beware: Some Suggested Ibuprofen-based Pain Regimens may Result in Severe Adverse Outcomes in Older Persons," The New York State Dental Journal: Vol. 90: No. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/nysdj/vol90/iss2/5