This is a legitimate concern because many oral surgeons will offer or prescribe opioid medications for pain after surgery. There are a couple of things you can do to keep your son or daughter safe even if you decide these medications are necessary (and sometimes they truly are).
First of all, talk to your child's doctor/surgeon about the procedure and necessity of a serious prescription. Many doctors suggest that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is adequate. You do not have to accept or fill a prescription, this is your choice! You can also request that the prescription only be for 2-3 days to get your child through the worst of the recovery. You are their best advocate!
If a prescription is filled, make sure you manage the medication storage and administration. Especially after surgery, children/teens shouldn't be responsible for managing medications correctly. If they don't have access to the meds, they can't be a target for friends or others trying to get them off their hands either. We know from research that most people who misuse medications get them from friends or family.
Lastly, proper disposal of unused and unwanted medications is so important! Unused medications are a risk to become an environmental hazard or to be misused. Find a local drop box (click here)!