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RELIEVING DENTAL PAIN
You and your dentist have a range of options for relieving dental pain. It’s most important to determine the cause of the pain and if any treatment is necessary. This blog post will discuss medications that are available for mitigating dental pain. When choosing a pain medication you might consider:
- the pain intensity you have or might have
- whether the pain is acute (will last for a short period) or chronic (will last for an extended period)
- past and current medical history
- all other medications you are takingÂ
OTC Drugs
OTC (over the counter) drugs are medications that you can buy at a pharmacy without a prescription. The two general types of OTC pain relievers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil of Motrin), naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn), and aspirin. Some of these drugs have different maximum dosages and indications. Research has shown that NSAIDs are just as effective as narcotics for relieving most dental pain.
People with asthma, kidney disease, and gastric ulcers should not use NSAIDs. In addition, patients on blood thinners should not use NSAIDs. For these patients Tylenol is a better choice.Â
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs include higher dosage NSAIDs and narcotics. For nearly all patients, a higher dosage NSAID works just as well if not better than narcotics and has less side effects. Narcotics are often combined with an OTC medication. For instance Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Narcotics can make people sleepy and there is a risk for addiction, so NSAIDs or Tylenol are usually a better initial choice. .Â
Taking Prescription Drugs Safely
Take your medication exactly as directed. Remember, it is for your use only. It can be harmful or fatal when used by someone else. Make sure you tell your dentist if you are taking other medications (even OTC medications) because some combinations can be dangerous.Â
Talking To Your Dentist About Pain Medication
When you talk to your dentist about pain relief make sure you tell him or her about your past history with pain, past use of OTC and prescription pain medications, and your full medical history. Are there certain drugs that made you feel poorly? Are there certain drugs you know you can’t take? Be sure to ask questions about when to take your pain medication (for example, whether you should take the medication after a meal).Â
If you find that the medication is not improving your pain, call your dentist. Since there are so many pain medications available today, he or she will be able to recommend a different option.Â
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.