Using wearable technology to detect prescription opioid self-administration.

Appropriate monitoring of opioid use in patients with pain conditions is paramount, yet it remains a very challenging task. The current work examined the use of a wearable sensor to detect self-administration of opioids after dental surgery using machine learning. Participants were recruited from an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic.

Effect of short-term prescription opioids on DNA methylation of the OPRM1 promoter.

Background: A long-term opioid use has been associated with hypermethylation of the opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) promoter. Very little is currently known about the early epigenetic response to therapeutic opioids. Here, we examine whether we can detect DNA methylation changes associated with a few days' use of prescribed opioids.

A randomized pilot program to reduce opioid use following dental surgery and increase safe medication return.

Research indicates that increased cumulative exposure (duration of administration and strength of dose) is associated with long-term opioid use. Because dentists represent some of the highest opioid prescribing medical professionals in the US, dental practices offer a critical site for intervention. The current study used a randomized clinical trial design to examine the efficacy of an opioid misuse prevention program (OMPP), presented as a brief intervention immediately prior to dental extraction surgery.

Treatment for Recurrent Odontogenic Keratocysts.

Controversy remains in understanding both the development and treatment for the odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). With recent changes in nomenclature recognizing the odontogenic keratocyst as a benign tumor, the debate over the proper course of treatment to limit recurrence and morbidity will continue. This study presents two cases where conservative treatment failed to prevent recurrence and each patient underwent resection of aggressive, multicystic OKCs to provide the best chance for definitive care without recurrence and limited morbidity.