Dental Pain Management Alternatives
Lets talk about prescriptions.
Using prescription painkillers to manage pain is a decision that should be taken very seriously, especially if you are a parent or guardian. Since the 1990′s, the number of Americans addicted to opioids has grown significantly, with over half of the opioids prescribed after dental surgeries consumed by someone other than the actual patient.
Knowing the dangers associated with prescription painkillers, you might find yourself looking for an alternative to pain management therapies. Remember no matter how you choose to manage your dental pain (with or without prescriptions), you should always consult with your dentist before moving forward with any pain management plan. Your dentist can educate you on the appropriate use, risks and alternatives of various treatment.
Common Dental Pain Management Alternatives to Opioids
NSAIDs
Yo may know them as Aspirin or ibuprofen, but non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an evidence-based, non-opioid pain management solution for the treatment of acute dental pain. NSAIDs help by providing effective pain relief caused by inflammation in the bone, dental pulp, and gum. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends dentists to consider NSAIDs as a first-line therapy for acute pain management. Studies found that NSAIDs taken after a dental procedure are at least as effective _or superior to) opioids for reducing frequency and intensity of acute dental pain. NSAIDs are usually over-the-counter, but your dentist may prescribe you a higher dosage based on your pain levels.
Acetaminophen
Another option for managing dental pain is the use of Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol). It’s another over-the-counter medicine commonly used to treat physical pain and fever.
NSAIDs and Acetaminophen
Your dentist may determine your level of pain requires more than a single medication. In that case, your dentist may put you on a treatment plan that involves both a NSAID and Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been show to have a synergetic effect when take with ibuprofen for the treatment of acute dental pain, with efficacy similar or superior to opioid therapy.
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