Medication Instructions Following Oral Surgery

Generally, a narcotic pain medication is prescribed following oral surgery. However, many patients find they do not require the stronger prescription medication for pain relief. Additionally, patients can experience significant side effects from these medications that include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. You should not drive or consume alcohol while taking narcotic pain medications.

The following is a regimen that minimizes or eliminates the need for the narcotic pain medications. We recommend that you follow the first level and move to the second level of pain management if needed for more severe pain relief.

The First Level of Pain Management (Mild to Moderate Pain)

  • Take ibuprofen 400 to 600 mg every four to six hours.
             Plus
  • Take Tylenol/acetaminophen as instructed in the first level. However, for every prescription pill you take, reduce the acetaminophen by one pill.

The Second Level of Pain Management (Severe Pain)

  • Take the prescribed pain medication as directed on the bottle.
  • Continue taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen as instructed in the first level. However, for every prescription pill you take, reduce the acetaminophen by one pill.

For example, you may take the following:

  • 400 mg ibuprofen (two over-the-counter Advil) every four hours
  • One regular strength acetaminophen every four hours
  • One prescription pain medication every four hours
  • Do not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT YOUR SURGEON.

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