To relieve most dental pain and discomfort, people can take acetaminophenSome Trade Names
TYLENOL
or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofenSome Trade Names
ADVIL MOTRIN
) by mouth. To relieve severe pain, people may need to combine these drugs with more powerful prescription opioid pain relievers such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodoneSome Trade Names
OXYCONTIN
.

To treat infections caused by dental problems, doctors and dentists give penicillin or clindamycinSome Trade Names
CLEOCIN
.

Last full review/revision December 2012 by David F. Murchison, DDS, MMS