Which medication is commonly prescribed for pain management after dental procedures?

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly prescribed for pain management after dental procedures due to their efficacy and safety profile. Acetaminophen is an analgesic that effectively reduces pain without causing gastrointestinal issues, making it suitable for patients who may be sensitive to other medications. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), not only alleviates pain but also helps reduce inflammation, which is often present following dental work.

These medications are frequently recommended as first-line treatments because they have a low risk of serious side effects when used correctly and can be administered without the need for a special prescription. This makes them accessible for patients to manage pain at home effectively. In many cases, a combination of these medications can be more effective than using them alone, providing better pain control for the patient.

Other options, such as opioids, while effective for pain management, are generally used in more severe cases due to their associated risks, including dependence and side effects. Aspirin and naproxen may also be effective but are not as commonly favored as the primary options due to potential side effects and contraindications in some patients. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are prescribed to manage infections rather than to relieve pain and are not appropriate