Dental Work Does Not Have to Be Painful

Advances in dental technology have dramatically improved the comfort of dental work and orthodontic procedures. However, once the anesthesia wears off, it is possible that you may experience some pain or discomfort as your mouth starts to heal. You don’t have to be uncomfortable throughout this process. Use these over the counter medications in order to feel better fast.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is often sold under the brand names of Advil and Motrin, and it is a great option for post-dental work pain. It is available in a variety of options, including gel caps, tablets, and even oral suspension. Ibuprofen is an NSAID, and it is beneficial in treating dental pain because it is an anti-inflammatory drug. Most dental pains and aches are a result of swelling, so this makes it a good option. However, people who are taking aspirin, blood thinners, ACE inhibitors, and some other medications may need to avoid ibuprofen.

Acetaminophen

If you have ever taken Tylenol, then you have used acetaminophen. This is another extremely popular over-the-counter medication used to deal with dental pain, especially for that group of people who cannot take ibuprofen. This drug is an analgesic, and while it doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to turn off pain signals that may be firing after your dental work. Make sure you talk to your pharmacist before taking acetaminophen to avoid any potential drug interactions, and remember that you shouldn’t drink alcohol when you are using this painkiller, as liver damage could result.

After dental work, your pain or discomfort should subside within a couple of days. If it doesn’t, or if you start to experience other symptoms, be sure to call us right away. If you have any questions about an upcoming or past dental procedure, please give our office a call. We are here to help.