Is It Safe to Take a Pain Reliever Before Coming In for a Dental Procedure?
By Ronan Freyne | Published on December 22, 2010 | 1 Comment
Any adult patient coming in for basic dental procedures would be smart to take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever before his appointment, says Dr. Ronan Freyne. A dentist who offers dental implants and other cosmetic procedures at his practice in Chevy Chase, MD, Dr. Freyne explains that taking an over-the-counter pain reliever is a great way to prevent unnecessary discomfort during a basic dental treatment.
In fact, Dr. Freyne estimates that patients could prevent upwards of 90% of all the dental pain or discomfort they may experience from dental diseases or cavities by taking pain relievers before coming in for their appointments. As a general rule of thumb, he recommends that patients remember that it is easier to prevent pain than to get rid of it once it has already set in–which is why it is always great to take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Additionally, Dr. Freyne says that any trauma that occurs after having a dental procedure performed is usually a type of inflammatory pain, so taking an anti-inflammatory medication beforehand is a great way to combat this.
As far as anti-inflammatory pain relievers go, Dr. Freyne recommends Ibuprofen and Aleve, and any pain reliever similar to either of those is an excellent option for a healthy adult patient. Dr. Freyne says that a 600-milligram dosage is generally the ideal amount for an adult to take.
At his practice, Dr. Freyne routinely gives anti-inflammatory medication to patients who need fillings or dental implants. He does this because any time a dentist touches a tooth, he creates a small amount of inflammation inside the tooth. Therefore, a patient who can keep the inflammation down to begin with is going to be much better off afterward than someone who lets the inflammation occur and then tries to get rid of the resulting pain.
With that said, Dr. Freyne cautions that anti-inflammatory medication should not be taken directly before a surgical procedure. In cases where someone is having some type of dental surgery performed (such as wisdom tooth removal), Dr. Freyne recommends speaking with the attending surgeon before taking any anti-inflammatory medications.
The reason for this, Dr. Freyne explains, is because many anti-inflammatory medications contain anti-coagulants that can increase bleeding. And during a surgical procedure, that’s usually not a good thing! However, when it comes to routine cleanings, fillings, and other basic procedures, Dr. Freyne says that taking 600 milligrams of Ibuprofen or Aleve beforehand will generally make a person much more comfortable once the procedure is over.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.