Alcoholism and drug dependence are serious problems in the United States. Chemical dependency (alcohol, drugs, nitrous oxide) is a chronic progressive disease that can affect all aspects of a person’s life.
Common oral findings may include:
- periodontal disease
- bruxism
- oral cancer
Substance abuse may impact the provision of dental care in the following ways:
- illicit drug users may be at risk for HIV and HBV infections; the practitioner should be aware of signs of AIDS; use universal precautions
- long term alcohol abuse affects the liver and bone marrow which may result in impaired clotting and prolong post-operative infection
- consultation with patient’s physician may be indicated as well as blood tests (CBC, PT, PTT and total protein, albumin, liver transaminases)
- the use of certain therapeutic agents, such as narcotic analgesics, could have an adverse effect on the relapse potential of patients who are recovering from chemical dependency
