
My Blog
Posts for tag: dental care

Undergoing dental work is for the most part a pain-free affair. But once you're home and the anesthetic begins to wear off, you may have some discomfort.
Fortunately, most post-procedure pain can be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. And while stronger versions of these pain relievers can be prescribed, you may only need one sold over-the-counter.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen work by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins, substances that stimulate inflammation in traumatized or injured tissues. It differs in this way from the two other primary pain medications: Steroids act like natural hormones that alleviate physical stress in the tissues; and narcotics like morphine or codeine suppress the brain's reaction to nerve firings.
While these stronger types are effective for stopping pain, they can have several serious side effects. Narcotics in particular can be addictive. Although they may be necessary in serious cases of acute pain, most dentists turn to non-addictive NSAIDs first, which are usually effective with the kind of discomfort associated with dental work and with fewer side effects.
That's not to say, however, that NSAIDs are risk-free—they must be taken properly or you could suffer serious health consequences. For one, NSAIDs have a blood-thinning effect that's even more pronounced when taken consistently over a period of weeks. This can lead to bleeding that is difficult to stop and erosion of the stomach lining leading to ulcers. Prolonged use can also damage the kidneys.
As a rule of thumb, adults shouldn't take more than 2400 milligrams of ibuprofen or other NSAIDs in a day, unless otherwise directed by their doctor. For most, a 400-milligram oral dose taken with food (to minimize stomach upset) is usually sufficient to relieve pain for around five hours.
You'll usually avoid unwanted health effects by keeping within your dentist's recommended doses and taking an NSAID for only a few days. Taking an NSAID properly can help keep your discomfort to a minimum after dental work without the need for stronger drugs.
If you would like more information on managing dental pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Treating Pain With Ibuprofen.”
Our Office
Gina Piccioni, D.M.D. and John G. Hartmann, D.D.S.
River Forest, IL Dentist
River Forest Dental StudioOur Blog
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- November (5)
- What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
- The Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
- That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
- A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
- You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
Tags
- wisdom teeth (5)
- cosmetic dentistry (40)
- smile makeover (11)
- pediatric dentistry (15)
- thumb sucking (3)
- sinus surgery (1)
- dental implants (20)
- teeth whitening (11)
- veneers (20)
- oral health (59)
- root canal (6)
- baby teeth (2)
- crowns (5)
- oral hygiene (33)
- bad breath (6)
- common symptoms (8)
- tooth decay (19)
- sports dentistry (4)
- mouthguards (12)
- dental injuries (7)
- brushing (1)
- missing tooth (3)
- replacing teeth (3)
- dental implant (7)
- oral sedation (1)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- dental anxiety (3)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- bonding (2)
- chipped tooth (5)
- tooth colored fillings (2)
- fillings (3)
- tmd (3)
- tmj (3)
- chewing gum (2)
- xylitol (1)
- celebrity smiles (65)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- sealants (2)
- sensitive teeth (3)
- dentures (8)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- dental injury (7)
- dental emergency (3)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- prepless veneers (1)
- tooth loss (2)
- bone grafting (4)
- tongue scraper (1)
- dental health tips (1)
- dental emergencies (4)
- dental hygienist (1)
- dental hygiene (3)
- periodontal disease (4)
- gum disease (15)
- diabetic (1)
- oral cancer (1)
- heart disease (2)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- cambra (1)
- fun dental facts (1)
- nutrition (7)
- sugar (1)
- power bleaching (1)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- grinding (1)
- loose dentures (2)
- overdenture (2)
- crown (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- cracked tooth syndrome (1)
- tooth sensitivity (1)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (3)
- orthodontics (4)
- braces (9)
- orthodontic treatment (19)
- dental specialists (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- partial dentures (1)
- ulcers (1)
- canker sores (1)
- Dental Implant Restoration (1)
- First Dental Visit (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (2)
- x-rays (1)
- retainers (3)
- Whiter (1)
- tooth extraction (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- mouth sores (2)
- dental bonding (2)
- reshaping (1)
- contouring (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- tmj disorders (1)
- root canal treatment (7)
- laser dentistry (1)
- bacteria (1)
- fluoride (2)
- flossing (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- dental crowns (3)
- restorative dentistry (1)
- tooth contouring (1)
- tooth reshaping (1)
- diabetes (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- cancer treatment (1)
- toothbrush (2)
- extractions (3)
- retainer (1)
- loose tooth (3)
- Removable Dentures (1)
- Missing Teeth (2)
- shingles (1)
- Emergency Dentist (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- lingual braces (2)
- gum recession (2)
- dry mouth (2)
- bridge (2)
- gerd (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- smoking (1)
- dental care (1)
- partial denture (1)
- Dental Visits (1)
- Dental Check-up (1)