A recent study in the Journal of Dental Research reviewed different methods for treating acute postoperative pain due to dental extraction. The systematic review and network meta-analysis tracked the use of acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and a placebo on patients after an extraction.
Comparing the outcomes of these interventions, the researchers found moderate and high-certainty evidence that ibuprofen and acetaminophen were most effective for pain relief on a scale of 0 to 4. Oxycodone, codeine and tramadol with acetaminophen were no better than the placebo.
Considering these findings in the context of the ongoing opioid endemic please remember to always discuss pain medication options with patients before administering a treatment plan. Opioids may not be the best path to pain relief.
Sources:
“Acute postoperative pain due to dental extraction in the adult population: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.” Journal of Dental Research, 11 January, 2023.
“CDC clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids for pain – United States, 2022.” cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 November, 2022.
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