Pain Management Instructions
Your doctor may have prescribed or recommended a variety of medications to safely control your pain. If antibiotics were prescribed, follow the instructions on the bottle.
Certain pain medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion — do not drive or operate machinery while taking them. Avoid alcohol while on these medications.
It is ideal to begin your medication schedule before the local anesthesia wears off.
Recommended medication schedule
Alternate between the two medications every 3 hours, as follows:
- Ibuprofen 600 mg (Advil®) — as soon as possible
- Wait 3 hours
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 500 mg, or Tylenol® 3 / Tramadol if prescribed
- Wait 3 hours
- Ibuprofen 600 mg (Advil®)
- Wait 3 hours
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 500 mg, or Tylenol® 3 / Tramadol if prescribed
- Continue this alternating schedule, every 3 hours, as needed for pain
If you have any issues when taking recommended or prescribed medications, please call our office to discuss next steps for your pain management.
It is recommended to follow the schedule above for at least 1–2 days after the procedure, and it may need to be longer depending on the individual. If you are still experiencing severe pain after 4–5 days, please call our office.
Questions or concerns? We are here to help. Call 512-472-5633 or email info@koladentistry.com.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need pain medication after a dental procedure?
Most patients need it for roughly the first 24 to 72 hours, with discomfort easing steadily after that. If pain increases after day three instead of improving, call our office.
What if the recommended medications aren’t enough?
Call us at 512-472-5633 rather than exceeding any label dosage. Pain that isn’t controlled by the schedule we provided can signal a complication we should look at.
Can I take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together?
The schedule above alternates them rather than taking both at once, because they work differently and alternating gives steadier relief. Follow the timing exactly as written and the dosing on each label. Check with us or your physician first if you take other medications or have a condition affecting your stomach, liver, or kidneys.
Always follow the specific instructions we gave you and the dosing on each label. Questions about your medications? Call 512-472-5633.
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