Certain dental problems require prompt treatment to relieve discomfort and minimize damage to the structures of the mouth. Such urgent dental problems include
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Certain complications that can develop after dental treatment Complications After Dental Treatment Complications after a dental procedure that include swelling and pain, dry socket, osteomyelitis, bleeding, and osteonecrosis of the jaw comprise another set of urgent dental problems that require... read more
To relieve most dental pain and discomfort, people can take acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) 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 oxycodone. To relieve pain resulting from a surgical procedure, people may alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 3 hours for a short period of time.
To treat infections caused by dental problems, doctors and dentists give penicillin, amoxicillin, or clindamycin.
People with certain heart conditions or some people who have a weak immune system and a prosthetic joint are given antibiotics to prevent infection of the heart Prevention Infective endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart (endocardium) and usually also of the heart valves. Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel... read more 
(endocarditis) or joint that may result from some invasive dental procedures.
More Information
The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
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Mouth Healthy: This resource provides information on oral health, including nutrition and guidance on selecting products that carry the American Dental Association's seal of approval, as well as advice on how to find a dentist and when to see one.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
acetaminophen |
TYLENOL |
amoxicillin |
AMOXIL |
clindamycin |
CLEOCIN |
ibuprofen |
ADVIL, MOTRIN IB |
oxycodone |
OXYCONTIN |
codeine |
No US brand name |
