05 Jul Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Non-opioid EXPAREL has reduced the need for opioid prescriptions
MedicalResearch.com interview with:
Dr. Lieblich
Dr. Stuart Lieblich, DMD
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Avon, CT
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background of this study? How is EXPAREL® different from other pain relievers for dental work or other short-term procedures?
Answer: This study analyzed the use of opioid and non-opioid options for postoperative pain after third molar extraction (wisdom removal). Our research group reviewed data from 600 patients undergoing third molar extraction, with 300 patients receiving the non-opioid EXPAREL (bupivacaine liposome suspension injectable) option and 300 patients not receiving EXPAREL infiltration. The study aimed to show that reducing opioid prescriptions after this procedure can reduce opioid-related side effects and the risk of opioid dependence.
EXPAREL is a long-acting non-opioid local anesthetic that is injected into the surgical area for pain control in the days following surgery. EXPAREL can be used for a variety of oral procedures, orthopedic procedures, C-sections, general procedures and more. Unlike many other pain management options, EXPAREL is not an opioid, so there is no risk of dependence or addiction.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Answer: The analysis found that third molar extraction patients who received EXPAREL had statistically significantly fewer opioids prescribed compared to those who did not. In fact, EXPAREL patients were prescribed 80% fewer opioids. In addition, only 3.3% of EXPAREL patients required opioid prescription refills compared to 7.7% of patients not receiving EXPAREL. The findings reveal that EXPAREL provides an opportunity to significantly reduce the use of opioids for third molar extraction without compromising patient care.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Answer: This analysis demonstrates the clinical value of EXPAREL in the oral surgery setting, where many patients would prefer a non-opioid option for postoperative pain management. Several studies have shown that wisdom tooth extraction is often the first time younger adults are prescribed opioids, and alternatives like EXPAREL can help avoid this unnecessary opioid exposure. The study also provides clinical evidence that EXPAREL not only effectively manages pain in oral surgery patients, but also significantly reduces the need for opioids and thereby eliminates associated side effects and risks, including addiction and dependence .
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Answer: It is important to see positive data supporting the use of non-opioids for this procedure, especially knowing that wisdom tooth extractions are performed 3.5 million times a year in the United States. These results are encouraging because they indicate that the use of EXPAREL in a multimodal pain management protocol provides an opportunity to significantly reduce opioid use in patients after surgery. As healthcare providers, we must continue to provide safe and effective alternatives to opioids for patients.
Disclosures and references: I was a researcher and author of the research, which was presented at 97th General Session and Report of the International Association of Dental Research in Vancouver, Canada. I am also a faculty member at the University of Connecticut School of Dentistry and a private oral surgery practice in Avon, Connecticut. This research was funded by Pacira BioSciences.
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Last updated on 5 July 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
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