Opioid-Related Emergency Department Encounters for Nontraumatic Dental Conditions

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to illustrate frequencies of opioid exposure (provision of opioids) for pediatric nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDC) in a hospital emergency department. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 737 pediatric NTDC emergency room patients aged 0 to 21 years old was conducted to evaluate opioid prescription associated with the emergency room visit. Binomial logistic regression, Fisher's exact test, and unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Opioids were provided to 85 (11.5%) NTDC patients. Those who were seen by a dental provider had an increased odds of opioid exposure for the NTDC (odds ratio [OR] equals 4.85; 95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] equals 2.93, 8.03). Subjects who were 14 years of age or older had increased odds of opioid exposure compared to younger patients (OR equals 8.09; 95% CI equals 4.22, 15.52). Conclusion: Opioid medications were provided to 1 1% of patients, with adolescents and young adults for nontraumatic until conditions having the highest exposures.