Possible addiction to opioids, used in anaesthesia and for pain relief, is a problem that your dentist is well aware of and is fighting to avoid. The problem of opioid addiction is most noticeable in the 10 to 19 year age group.
Statistics show that:
– Every year approximately 3 million people have their wisdom teeth removed
– The vast majority of these people are under 25 years of age
– Virtually all will be given a prescription for various opioids
A recent article in the New York Times points out that the human brain matures at 25 and “is particularly susceptible to being taken over by opioids” during the formative years.
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
