Pain Relief

In general, if in discomfort after a dental surgery, a healthy patient typically has many options:

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400mg of Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) every 6-8 hours for 3 days

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     Or

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400mg of Ibuprofen and 500mg of APAP (e.g., Tylenol) every 6-8 hours for 3 days

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     Or

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400mg of Advil plus 500mg of APAP plus 5mg Oxycodone every 6-8 hours for 3 days

 

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The abuse and addiction potential of opioids (e.g., Percocet, Oxycodone) is a serious concern, and society as a whole is striving to find alternative pain relief methods that are safer and less addictive. One promising option is a combination of over-the-counter medications, such as Advil and Tylenol. These two drugs work in different ways to reduce pain, and when used together, they can provide effective relief without the need for opioids.

 

However, it is important to note that in some cases, small doses of opioids may be necessary to manage severe pain. It is important to use these medications responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.  Please feel free to review the pictures and graphs below for a nice visualization of how alternative medications could be used.