Effects of sublingual buprenorphine on oral health
Official title: Oral complications from sublingual buprenorphine treatment: A prospective cohort study
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10765272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking sublingual buprenorphine for opioid use disorder might affect your dental health, like causing tooth decay or cavities, so we can find ways to help keep your smile healthy while you're in treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | September 18, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $419,819 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033319-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10765272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently receiving sublingual buprenorphine treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using buprenorphine or those without opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the oral health complications that may arise from the use of sublingual buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It focuses on how prolonged exposure to this medication can lead to issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and other dental problems. By observing a cohort of patients over time, the study aims to gather evidence on the extent of these complications and develop strategies to maintain oral health for those undergoing treatment. Patients will be monitored for their dental health while receiving buprenorphine treatment, providing valuable insights into the relationship between the medication and oral health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dental care strategies for patients using buprenorphine, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been case reports regarding oral complications from buprenorphine, this research aims to provide a more systematic investigation, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Joji — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Joji
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.