Substance Abuse
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:
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periodontal disease
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bruxism
-
oral cancer
Substance abuse may impact the provision of dental care in the following
ways:
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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)
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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
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