If you are in Pain…

Why am I experiencing pain?

There can be many causes of dental pain. Inflammation is the most common cause, it is caused by the body reacting to irritation, infection or injury. The symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, warmth and pain.

How can I control the pain?

We aim to see anyone suffering in pain within 24hours and in most cases we are able to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment to help. Occasionally it may take a few days for the pain to resolve. Sometimes treatment may not be suitable due to infection and a course of antibiotics may be prescribed to be taken alongside some pain relief.

What pain relief can I take?

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the best pain killers to take to resolve dental pain. Ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory and therefore acts to relieve pain and inflammation.

Paracetamol 2x 500mg tablets can be taken every 6 hours (4 times a day)

Ibuprofen 400mg can be taken every 8 hours with food (3 times a day)

*Ibuprofen is not recommended in certain patients, please see below and if you are still unsure ask your GP, Pharmacist or Dentist)

If you are over 16years old, for optimum pain relief both paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used together by taking them at different times.

**Do not exceed the recommended doses

Do not take Ibuprofen if you;

• Are pregnant
• Have severe heart failure
• Have a kidney impairment
• Have a liver impairment
• Are allergic or hypersensitive to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, aspirin and diclofenac
• Elderly and on many medications without consulting your GP

Do not take paracetamol if you;

• Have an allergy or are hypersensitive to paracetamol
• Have a kidney impairment
• Have a liver impairment
• Are dependent on alcohol