Wisdom teeth removal and pain relievers

Key facts about pain relief after wisdom teeth removal

Start by taking steps to prevent risk. If your child—or even you—will have wisdom teeth taken out, ask your dental specialist or surgeon these questions:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs, are recommended as the first treatment option for acute dental pain.
• A general dentist or oral surgeon may recommend Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a combination of the two may be used after wisdom teeth removal.<./li>
• According to the CDC, opioids should generally be reserved for situations in which first-line medications are not effective or cannot be used.
• Patients should take all medications exactly as directed by their dentist, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
• Unused prescription medications should be stored securely and disposed of promptly using an appropriate disposal method.

What pain medicine is commonly used after wisdom teeth removal?

The painkiller recommended after wisdom tooth removal depends on the procedure, the expected level of pain, the patient’s medical history, and the medications the patient can safely take.

Nonopioid medications include NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and acetaminophen. According to the ⁠American Dental Association, ADA-endorsed guidelines recommend NSAIDs as first-line therapy for acute dental pain because they have been shown to reduce pain more effectively than opioid medications.

NSAIDs help reduce inflammation at the site of the procedure, while acetaminophen works differently within the body to relieve pain. Because of those different actions, a dentist may recommend using an NSAID and acetaminophen together.

The ADA reports that this combination can be highly effective for mild to moderate acute dental pain. Not every pain medication is appropriate for every patient. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular side effects, and acetaminophen can cause liver damage when too much is taken.

Some prescription pain relievers also contain acetaminophen, which can make it easier to take more than intended when multiple products are used.

Patients should tell their dental professional about their health conditions, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements before choosing a pain-relief plan. The ⁠ADA’s overview of oral pain relievers provides additional information about these risks.

Are opioids always needed after wisdom teeth removal?

No. Many patients can manage pain after wisdom teeth removal without an opioid.

The ⁠Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that nonopioid treatments are at least as effective as opioids for many common types of acute pain, including dental pain and pain after a simple dental extraction. The CDC also notes that NSAIDs have been found to be more effective than opioids for surgical dental pain.

The ADA-endorsed guideline for adolescents and adults recommends using nonopioid medications first after tooth extractions.

Opioids should be reserved for situations in which first-line treatment does not reduce the pain sufficiently or a patient cannot take NSAIDs. The guideline also advises dental professionals to avoid routinely providing opioids “just in case” and to use caution when prescribing them to adolescents and young adults.

Depending on the expected severity of pain and the patient’s individual circumstances, a dentist may determine that an opioid such as oxycodone or hydrocodone is appropriate. Because some prescription opioids are combined with acetaminophen, patients should follow their healthcare professional’s instructions before taking an additional over-the-counter product.

What questions should you ask before wisdom teeth removal?

The ADA recommends that dentists discuss pain-management options, medication use, and the safe use, storage, and disposal of opioid medications before dental procedures. If your child – or even you – will have wisdom teeth taken out, ask your dental specialist or surgeon these questions:

• Are there non-habit-forming medications that can be used? If so, what are their risks?
• ow long should the opioid prescription be taken?
• If an opioid must be prescribed, is it the lowest effective dose (especially for a child)?
• What options are there to avoid or reduce using an opioid for pain?
• What should be done with any extra medication?
• When and how should the medication be taken?

Before the procedure, ask which pain relievers are recommended, how long they should be taken and when an opioid might be necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends discussing the benefits and risks of opioid therapy, using nonopioid medications when appropriate, and prescribing opioids only at the lowest effective dose for the expected duration of severe pain.

How should opioid medications be stored?

Keep opioid medications in a secure location that cannot be accessed by children, visitors, or anyone for whom the medication was not prescribed. The CDC recommends storing opioids in a secure and preferably locked location.

Never share prescription pain medication with another person. Secure storage also helps reduce the risk of accidental ingestion by children and pets.

What should you do with unused pain medication?

Do not keep unused opioid medication for possible future pain. Safely disposing of medicine that is no longer needed reduces the chance that it will be accidentally taken by a child, pet or someone for whom it was not prescribed.

The ⁠U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the best way to dispose of most unused or expired medicines is to use a drug take-back location or a prepaid drug mail-back envelope. If those options are unavailable, follow the FDA instructions that apply to the specific medication.

Some medicines have special disposal instructions. Review the prescription information or ask a pharmacist or other healthcare professional when you are unsure how to dispose of a medication.

What should you know during recovery?

Follow the recovery instructions provided by your dentist, including how and when to take your pain medication. If you have questions about your medication, experience side effects, or are unsure how to follow your recovery instructions, contact your general dentist or oral surgeon before changing how you take your medication.

The CDC recommends that clinicians discuss the expected benefits and risks of opioid therapy with patients and prescribe opioids at the lowest effective dose for no longer than the expected duration of severe pain.

Capital Blue Cross member resources

Capital Blue Cross members can use their secure online account to review benefits and claims and manage prescription drug benefits. Members can also check which drugs are covered, find participating pharmacies and learn more about their plan’s prescription drug programs. For additional help with pharmacy benefits or coverage questions, call the Member Services number on the back of your member ID card.

FAQ

What drugs are commonly given after wisdom teeth removal?

A dentist may recommend an NSAID such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a combination of the two. An opioid may be prescribed in limited situations when first-line medications are not effective or cannot be used.

Is ibuprofen effective after wisdom teeth removal?

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are recommended as first-line treatment for acute dental pain. The ADA reports that NSAIDs can be more effective than opioids for surgical dental pain.

Can you take acetaminophen after wisdom teeth removal?

Acetaminophen may be recommended alone or with an NSAID. Patients should follow their healthcare professional’s instructions and check all medication labels because some prescription products already contain acetaminophen.

What should you do with leftover opioid medication?

Store it securely until it can be discarded, then use an authorized medicine take-back option or follow the FDA’s disposal instructions for that medication. Do not save it for later or give it to another person.

This is not medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. The information provided is meant for a general audience. Capital Blue Cross and its affiliated companies believe this health education resource provides useful information but does not assume any liability associated with its use.