Dental management of the recovered chemically dependent patient

People who are recovered from chemical dependency are frequently seen in dental practice. They have special needs, especially in pain management. Understanding chemical dependency and establishing a good pretreatment rapport with the patient will assist the dentist in reducing the need for postoperative analgesics. The practitioner should rely highly on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents as primary analgesics for these patients. Opiate derivatives, tranquilizers, sedatives, cough syrups, and general anesthetics should be avoided.