Hands Down, OTC Pain Meds Beat Opioids After Tooth Extraction
New analysis confirms ibuprofen plus acetaminophen works just as well or better than hydrocodone for both men and women after wisdom tooth removal. Patients experienced less disruption to sleep and daily life, with fewer follow-up calls for extra meds.
A fresh look at post-wisdom tooth extraction pain management confirms what oral health professionals have been hoping: over-the-counter (OTC) meds outperform opioids for everyone, not just some patients. A Rutgers Health-led follow-up analyzed gender-specific responses and found that the ibuprofen-acetaminophen combo provided superior relief during the first 24 hours and held its own throughout recovery for both men and women.
This matters because women often report higher pain levels after surgery, prompting questions about whether pain meds hit differently across sexes. The study enrolled equal numbers of men and women, tracked pain, sleep quality, daily activity, and overall satisfaction over 9 days, and OTCs came out on top. Patients on nonopioids reported better sleep and fewer interruptions to everyday life, while those taking opioids were twice as likely to call back asking for more medication.
The takeaway is clear: dentists and hygienists can confidently recommend non-opioid pain management after extractions. Not only does it reduce opioid exposure, but it also keeps patients happier, sleeping better, and moving through recovery with fewer hiccups. Click here to read more.
