What is the most commonly used opioid in dentistry?

Codeine is widely recognized as the most commonly used opioid in dentistry due to its effectiveness in managing dental pain, especially after procedures such as tooth extraction. It is often preferred for its mild analgesic properties and is typically combined with non-opioid pain relievers such as acetaminophen to enhance pain control while minimizing the potential for higher doses of opioids.

Moreover, codeine is usually prescribed in lower doses, which makes it suitable for dental procedures where pain management is essential but can be achieved without stronger opioids. Its use is also guided by its relatively favorable safety profile in comparison to other stronger opioids, making it appropriate for patients who may be at risk for opioid dependence.

While other opioids like oxycodone, morphine, and combinations like Percocet are used in clinical settings, they are generally reserved for more severe pain situations or specific patient needs, which is why codeine remains the go-to option for most dental pain scenarios.