In most situations after procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction or other tooth extractions, root canal work or dental implants your dentist may prescribe pain management medications.
In dental practice most common pain management medications are Tylenol # 3 and Vicodin.
Tylenol-Codeine #3 is generally prescribed to alleviate mild to moderate pain.
USES
Read the Medication Guide provided by your dentist before you start taking acetaminophen/codeine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your dentist.
- Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.
- To avoid nausea take this medicine with food. If nausea occurs ask your dentist about other ways to decrease nausea.
- If you are using a liquid form of this medication, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose.
- Do not increase your dose, take the medication more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your dentist as soon as possible. Exercise, eat fiber and drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: agitation, depression, hallucinations, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, fast/slow heartbeat, vision changes, such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting and seizure, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking this product, tell your dentist if you are allergic to acetaminophen or codeine. Tell your doctor your medical history. Avoid taking alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) with this prescription. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Some children may be more sensitive to very serious side effects of the codeine in this product, such as extreme sleepiness, confusion, or slow/shallow/noisy breathing.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, trouble breathing, or unusual limpness. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Vicodinis generally prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain.
USES
This combination medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It contains an opioid (narcotic) pain reliever (hydrocodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). This product is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years due to an increased risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing).
Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. To prevent constipation, you should eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise.
Visit Sugar Land Dentist right away if you have any severe side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), stomach/abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, signs of your adrenal glands not working well (such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, seizure, slow/shallow breathing, and severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking this medication, tell your dentist if you are allergic to it; or to other opioids (such as hydromorphone, morphine, codeine); or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially slow/shallow breathing.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell the doctor right away if your baby develops unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, or trouble breathing. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3179/tylenol-codeine-3-oral/details
https://www.rxlist.com/tylenol-codeine-drug.htm#indications
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3459/vicodin-oral/details