A Rutgers study shows simple painkillers like Tylenol and Advil work better than opioids after dental surgery—without the risks.
Key Points at a Glance
- Non-opioid combo excels: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) outperform opioids in pain relief after wisdom tooth extraction.
- Better recovery: Patients reported superior pain control, better sleep, and fewer interruptions to daily life.
- Reduced risks: Non-opioid patients were half as likely to need extra medication and avoided the addiction risks tied to opioids.
- Landmark trial: Over 1,800 participants in one of the largest real-world dental pain studies validate the findings.
- Shifting guidelines: Results align with ADA recommendations to avoid opioids for routine dental procedures.
A groundbreaking study from Rutgers University suggests that a simple combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen is more effective for managing pain after wisdom tooth removal than the widely prescribed opioid hydrocodone. This finding could transform dental pain management and reduce opioid prescriptions, which remain a major contributor to addiction.
The Study: Real-World Pain Management
The randomized trial involved over 1,800 patients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction, a common procedure often linked to severe pain. Participants were divided into two groups: one received hydrocodone with acetaminophen, while the other took over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Results showed that the non-opioid combination provided better pain relief during the first two days post-surgery, improved sleep quality, and minimized disruptions to daily activities. Patients also expressed greater overall satisfaction and were less likely to require additional pain medication.
Reducing Opioid Risks
For many young adults, wisdom tooth removal is their first exposure to opioids, increasing their risk of future misuse. According to Janine Fredericks-Younger, a co-investigator of the study, the link between early opioid use and potential addiction underscores the importance of safer alternatives.
With more than 80,000 opioid overdose deaths reported annually in the U.S., adopting non-opioid strategies could have far-reaching implications for public health.
Changing Practices and Policies
The study aligns with recent American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines advising against routine opioid prescriptions for dental pain. Cecile Feldman, dean of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and lead researcher, believes the findings will reshape standard practices.
“Unless special conditions prevent the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, there’s no reason to prescribe opioids for dental procedures,” Feldman emphasized.
Future Directions
The research team aims to extend their work to other dental procedures and explore alternative pain relief methods, including cannabinoids. These efforts not only advance patient care but also refine the training of future dental professionals.
As the dental community embraces these findings, a safer and more effective approach to managing pain could emerge, reducing the reliance on opioids and mitigating associated risks.
