What’s this we’re hearing about opioids not being as effective as the combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen?
A randomized Rutgers health study of 1,800 patients who had third molar extractions found that patients who received a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen had better pain relief through days one and two postsurgery than the patients who received hydrocodone and acetaminophen. At no time was the hydrocodone considered better than the acetaminophen-ibuprofen combo.
Opioids still have a place in dentistry, but they are an “escape strategy.” Opioids don’t treat pain; they just postpone it.
Join us in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we talk about this latest study and best practices for pain relief in dental patients.
Thumbnail image credits simarik / E+ / Getty Images
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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.
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