Dental Pain and Toothache
The alleviation or management of pain and discomfort.
Dental Pain and Toothache
The alleviation or management of pain and discomfort.
What is dental pain relief?
For matters of pain; our dentists employ various techniques and technology to provide effective pain relief based on the severity of the condition and the specific needs of each patient.
Dental pain relief refers to the alleviation or management of pain and discomfort associated with dental conditions or procedures.
Dental pain can arise from various sources, including tooth decay, gum disease, dental injuries, or dental treatments such as extractions or root canals.
Common methods of pain relief
Prescription medications
In some cases, dentists may prescribe stronger pain medications to manage acute pain and discomfort. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage and instructions carefully.
Cold compresses
Applying cold compresses to the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from dental pain.
Local anesthesia
Dentists will often use local anesthesia to numb specific areas of the mouth, allowing them to perform procedures, such as fillings, tooth extractions, and root canals, without minimal to no pain.
Topical anesthesia
Before administering an injection, dentists may apply an anesthetic solution to the surface of the oral tissues. This helps numb the area and minimize discomfort.
Sedation
For patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more extensive procedures, dentists may offer different sedation options. This can range from mild sedation (such as nitrous oxide or sedatives) to deeper levels of sedation (such as sleep dentistry).
Over-the-counter medications
Following a dental procedure, over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation.
It's essential for individuals experiencing any dental pain to consult with their dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can help identify the underlying cause of pain and determine the most appropriate and effective solution.
Dental Pain Advice
There are two main types of painkillers used for relief of Dental pain:
- Paracetamol: Panadol, Panamax
- Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen eg Neurofen; Diclofenac eg Voltaren; Aspirin (Avoid these if you have a stomach complaint such as an ulcer)
- The third type of painkillers are only used only where severe pain remains despite the use of both of the above painkillers in combination. These are prescription only medicines with strict regulations and restrictions on use and are mostly only prescribed by medical practitioners. Opioid Analgesics: Codeine, Oxycodone, Morphine
For dental and post-surgical pain, randomised controlled blind studies have shown no difference in pain relief when codeine is added to paracetamol and ibuprofen, but there is an increase in negative side effects. For this reason and under our professional guidelines Codeine should no longer prescribed for dental pain.
It is not possible to eliminate pain altogether, so the aim is to reduce pain to a tolerable level. Strong pain relief can be achieved by taking 2 x 500mg Paracetamol Tablets and 2 x 200mg Ibuprofen tablets together at the same time. This provides ample pain relief in most situations without the unwanted side effects of prescription analgesics.
Post-Operative Surgical Pain Advice
- Before the local anaesthetic wears off, take 2 x 500mg Paracetamol tablets and 2 x 200mg Ibuprofen tablets.
- Take this same painkiller combination every 4-6 hours up to a maximum of 3 times in a 24 hour period.
- If an additional painkiller dose is needed in a 24 hour period, it is possible to take one additional dose of Paracetamol.
- If pain is well tolerated with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen alone, Ibuprofen taken with food will help with the jaw stiffness and muscle ache due to the anti-inflammatory properties. This can be taken for up to 2 weeks.
DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM DOSE OF ANY MEDICINE AND ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. CONSULT YOUR PHARMACIST, DENTIST OR DOCTOR FOR ADVICE IF AT ALL UNSURE.