Analgesics or Pain Relievers
- What is an analgesic?
- What part do analgesics play in reducing dental pain?
- What is the main cause of severe dental pain?
- What is an anti-inflammatory drug?
- Which are the anti-inflammatory drugs?
- What are the most commonly used analgesics?
- Is it safe to take analgesics without dental or medical advice?
1. What is an analgesic?
- An analgesic is a pain relieving substance. It does not cure the problem that causes the pain, but reduces the feeling of the pain.
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2. What part do analgesics play in reducing dental pain?
- Analgesics are used as short term measures to ease pain before, during and after dental treatment.
- Some dental procedures can result in pain and discomfort after treatment. Pain relievers play a part in making the treatment more comfortable.
- An analgesic taken before a dental appointment can relieve minor discomfort or stress.
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3. What is the main cause of severe dental pain?
- Severe dental pain is usually caused by the inflammation of the nerves and blood vessels in and around the tooth.
- This is usually associated with tooth decay.
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4. What is an anti-inflammatory drug?
- Inflammation is the cause of most dental pain.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs are effective against such pain.
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5. Which are the anti-inflammatory drugs?
- Aspirin and Ibuprofin are anti-inflammatory in their action.
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6. What are the most commonly used analgesics?
- Acetaminophen, also known as Paracetamol or Tylenol
- Aspirin
- Codeine
- Ibuprofin
- Acetaminophen or Paracetamol
- It reduces pain and fevers.
- It has no blood-thinning side effects.
- It does not cause gastric irritation.
- Children from two months of age can be given a liquid preparation.
- There is an appropriate dose for all age groups.
- Aspirin
- It reduces fevers and pain.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It acts as a blood-thinner.
- It can cause stomach irritation.
- It is not recommended for children under twelve years.
- People with stomach ulcers, or on blood thinning drugs, should not take aspirin for pain.
- Codeine
- Codeine is a very powerful pain reliever.
- Strong doses can control very severe pain.
- It is often combined with other analgesics to boost their effectiveness for pain relief.
- It is constipating.
- Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen is a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory drug.
- It is available for all age groups.
- It is not constipating, and there are no adverse gastric side effects.
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7. Is it safe to take analgesics without medical or dental advice?
- Many analgesic preparations can be bought without a prescription.
- Caution is nevertheless necessary.
- Several analgesics are very often combined in a single tablet or capsule.
- You may not be aware of the ingredients of your pain-relieving tablets or capsules.
- It is therefore most important that they should only be taken with the knowledge and approval of your doctor or dentist.
- This is particularly true if you are taking other medications as well.
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