Chronic pain: HALF of dentists say patients come in high for dental appointments on marijuana or other drugs
- American Dental Association says not to smoke weed before visiting the dentist
- In some cases patients have been left ‘stressed’ due to the drug
- At other times they were unable to make informed choices about treatments
Half of doctors have been forced to treat a patient who is high on marijuana or other drugs, according to a shock survey.
The American Dental Association (ADA) said it was due to more states legalizing the drug, warning using it before an appointment ‘may affect treatment’.
The survey found patients who came in high were often ‘stressed’ and confused, which the ADA said ‘limited’ their care options.
In some cases they were unable to make informed choices about what treatment they wanted, or needed more anesthetic because marijuana made them more sensitive to pain.
High patients often left medics with no choice but to delay treatment, and require them to book for another visit.
They were also unable to make informed choices about the care they received, or needed more anesthetic because of how marijuana effects the brain.
Americans are being urged not to take marijuana or other drugs before going to the dentist (file photo)
New York-based dentist and ADA spokeswoman Dr Tricia Quartey said: ‘Marijuana can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia and hyperactivity, which could make the visit more stressful.
‘It can also increase heart rate and has unwanted respiratory side effects, which increases the risk of using local anesthetics for pain control.
‘Plus, the best treatment options are always ones a dentist and patient decide on together. A clear head is essential for that.’
She also warned that smoking marijuana raises the risk of someone developing cavities in their teeth.
Drug users can get the ‘munchies’, at which mans dentists warn that they ‘don’t always make healthy food choices’.
The ADA’s survey involved 557 dentists from across the United States.
It also carried out a second poll involving 1,006 customers to establish how widespread cannabis use is.
Nearly four in ten of respondents said they used marijuana, while a quarter admitted to vaping.
A total of 19 states and the District of Columbia have already legalized recreational marijuana use.
Next week another five states are set to go to the polls on the decision.
Sixteen per cent of Americans smoke cannabis, estimates suggest, mostly in younger age groups.
But this figure is continuing to grow as the drug is legalized for recreational use in other states.
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