Opioids are a type of medication used to relieve pain. They require a prescription from your dentist or doctor and include drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. Opioids also include illegal drugs such as heroin.

To reduce the discomfort that may result from certain dental procedures, such as extracting teeth, gums, and other dental procedures, or placing dental implants, dentists may prescribe pain relievers, including opioids. Prescribed opioid medications for the relief of toothache include hydrocodone (Vicodin ^®), oxycodone (Percocet ^® or OxyContin ^®), and acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol ^® Tylenol ^® No. 3 and No. 4).

These types of medications are generally safe when used for a short period of time - as prescribed by a health professional - to relieve short-term oral pain that can result from injury or certain dental procedures. However, if you use these types of drugs for a longer period of time and at a higher dose than prescribed, you run the risk of becoming dependent on opioid medications. And when misused, opioids can lead to addiction, overdose, or death.

It is important to know that there are non-prescription, non-opioid his medication - acetaminophen (Tylenol ^®) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil ^®, Motrin ^®) - which can be as as effective for treating most toothaches.

Helpful Hints

Make sure to talk to your dentist about how to manage pain after dental surgery:

• Ask your dentist if there are any other ways to relieve your pain besides opioids.
• If your dentist prescribes an opioid pain reliever, you should:
  • Let your dentist know about any other medications you are currently taking, as well as if you or others in your family have had substance abuse problems, such as alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs.
  • Ask about the risks of taking the medication.
  • Ask how to take the medicine and for how long to take it.
  • Make sure to take the medicine according to the instructions you have been given.
  • Never use alcohol if you are on an opioid medication.
  • Keep the medication in a safe place out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Discard any unused or expired medication as soon as possible. The United States Food and Drug Administration provides instructions on how to dispose of any unused medication. See the Additional Resources section.