If you have been through dental pain before, you are aware of how agonizing it can be. Hours, days or even weeks spent with a throbbing mouth can be excruciating. Fortunately, you do not have to remain in pain. There are painkillers that you can take that will numb most or all tooth pain, regardless of what is causing it.
Some of these painkillers are stronger than others. For the strongest of painkillers, particularly those that are opioid-based, you will need to have a prescription. Usually, your dentist in Pennington NJ can fill this out for you. Be aware that prescription opioids can be addictive, so make sure that you only take them as prescribed, and cease use after your tooth pain has gone away.
There are other painkillers that you can purchase over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. These are not as strong as the prescription opioids, but they will still help to numb most tooth pain. They include paracetamol, ibuprofen and naproxen.
Take note that these painkillers will only help to numb the pain. They will not actually treat the underlying cause of your toothache. For that, you will need to see a dentist.
- Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a common painkiller that is used for all sorts of different pains, including dental pain. Paracetamol works by blocking pain signals from the brain. It is effective for mild to moderate pain, but will not work on severe pain.
Paracetamol is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription. It is relatively safe to take, but can cause liver damage if taken in large doses or if you drink alcohol while taking it.
- Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another common painkiller that can be used for dental pain. Like paracetamol, it works by blocking pain signals from the brain. Ibuprofen is effective for mild to moderate pain, but may not work on severe pain.
Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription. However, it can cause side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding, so it is important to take it as directed.
- Naproxen
Naproxen is another over-the-counter painkiller that can be used for dental pain. It works in a similar way to ibuprofen, by blocking pain signals from the brain. Naproxen is effective for mild to moderate pain, but may not work on severe pain.
Like Ibuprofen, Naproxen can cause side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding, so it is important to take it as directed. Naproxen is also available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription.
- Percocet
Percocet is a strong prescription opioid that is typically used for moderate to severe pain. It is a very effective painkiller, but can be addictive if not taken as prescribed.
Percocet is only available with a prescription and should only be taken as directed. If you think that you may be addicted to Percocet, talk to your doctor about getting help.
- Codeine
Codeine is another strong prescription opioid that is typically used for moderate to severe pain. Codeine is also a very effective painkiller, but can be addictive if not taken as prescribed.
This drug is occasionally prescribed by dentists if other drugs are not proving effective for treating your pain.
- Tylenol
Tylenol is a painkiller that is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription. It is effective for mild to moderate pain, but will not work on severe pain.
Tylenol is relatively safe to take, but can cause liver damage if taken in large doses or if you drink alcohol while taking it.
- Vicodin
Vicodin is a strong prescription opioid that is typically used for moderate to severe pain. Vicodin is a very effective painkiller, but can be addictive if not taken as prescribed.
Vicodin is rarely given by dentists due to the very high addiction potential, even when used as directed.
- Morphine
Morphine is a strong prescription opioid that is typically used for moderate to severe pain. Morphine is a very effective painkiller, but can be addictive if not taken as prescribed.
Morphine is very rarely prescribed by dentists, as usually tooth pain can be alleviated with weaker painkillers than morphine. If you are given morphine by your dentist, be very careful. Like other opioids, long periods of morphine use can result in withdrawal symptoms for users.
- Conclusion
While there are many different painkillers that can be used for dental pain, it is important to talk to your dentist in Pennington NJ or doctor to figure out which one is right for you. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and never take more than the recommended dose.