Pain in dentistry can vary from slight to severe. We normally recommend that any patient having dental treatment that requires anesthetic (to be numbed up) have either tylenol or advil at the start of the appointment. This helps reduce the chance of post treatment sorness from the needle or arising from the procedure itself. Prescription pain medicine is prescribed by the dentist if he/she feels you will need more pain managment. Below you will find a pain medicine progression that can be taken depending on the severity of the pain.
Mild pain/Sorness:
Ice pack on cheek for 10-15 minutes every hour + 600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil) 4 times daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed)
Moderate Pain:
If having to work or drive and cannot take narcotic drugs take the above regiment of ibuprofen as well as one 500mg acetemetophin (Tylenol.)
If not working or driving then a prescription pain medicine such as Vicodin or Ultracet.
Severe Pain:
For severe pain such as for dry socket or wisdom tooth removal a very powerful pain medicine such as Percocet or Percodan may be necessary.