What Pain Medications Can I Use After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars at the back of the mouth that don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally. If your mouth doesn’t have adequate room and you do not have your wisdom teeth removed, it can lead to overcrowding, crooked teeth, or even an impaction.
Having impacted wisdom teeth essentially means that the teeth are stuck in your bone below the gum line. According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you experience changes in the area of those teeth, such as Pain.
Pain after wisdom teeth removal is common, so dentists and oral surgeons may prescribe strong medicines that combine a common non-opioid pain medicine (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin) with a stronger opioid pain medicine (such as codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone). Examples of such combination medicines are Lorcet Plus, Vicodin ES, Norco, Endocet, and Percocet, or generic equivalents of them. Opioids are effective in treating pain, but even short-term prescriptions can lead to dependence or addiction.
We received a report about a teen who was given a prescription for an opioid after the removal of wisdom teeth. The teen’s parent was aware of the risks of opioid use and looked for safer options knowing that the pain would last for only a short time. The teen’s pain was managed using a non-opioid pain medicine called naproxen.
Here’s what you can do: Opioid use disorder, including dependence and addiction, is a big problem in the US and other countries. To reduce the risk of opioid-related problems, follow these tips to help relieve the pain that occurs after wisdom teeth removal.
• Start with non-opioid pain medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Ask your dentist or pharmacist whether these medicines would work for you or your family member.
• Use non-drug pain treatments like ice and cold packs to reduce pain and swelling. Consider if distraction techniques like listening to music might be helpful.
• If you need an opioid pain reliever, use it for less than 3 days. If you feel that the number of opioid doses prescribed for you is more than you need, talk to your pharmacist when you pick up your prescription. As you start to feel better, you should have less pain and need less medicine. If you have leftover opioids after you have recovered, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of them.
• If the pain is still bothering you after a few days, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for advice.
Medications to avoid before your oral surgery
Common Herbal Supplements to Avoid
Many patients are under the impression that herbal supplements and vitamins do not have the same effect on your body as medications. However, many supplements on the market today have a blood-thinning property. Therefore, it is important to avoid certain ones that may interfere with treatment. These herbal supplements should be avoided for approximately two weeks prior to surgery:
- Garlic
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo biloba
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
Common Drugs to Avoid
In addition to herbal supplements, there are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that should be avoided as well. It is important to note that you should not discontinue a prescribed medication without speaking with your medical doctor. Always follow the advice of your health care providers.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can lead to excessive post-operative bleeding. For this reason, most doctors recommend that you avoid them for approximately one week before your procedure. Examples include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Celebrex
- Zorvolex
- Indocin
Blood Thinners: What You Should Know
If you currently take a blood thinner, such as Coumadin, Eliquis, or Xarelto, inform your doctor immediately. You may or may not be taken off of your blood thinners for a few days prior to your surgery. However, because each patient is different, you will need to obtain recommendations for your specific situation.
Bisphosphonates: What You Should Know
If you are currently taking a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, consult your doctor prior to your surgery to receive his recommendation. These medications include Actonel, Aclasta, Zometa, Boniva, Fosamax, Skelid, Reclast, Didronel, and more.
For the 24 hours after removing your wisdom tooth, you should avoid:
- rinsing your mouth out with liquid
- drinking alcohol and smoking
- drinking hot liquids such as tea or soup
- strenuous physical activity.
