Pain Management after Oral Surgery

Instructions for Pain Management

In an effort to reduce the amount of narcotic pain medicine needed after oral surgery, we recommend the following protocol.

NOTE: If you are allergic or cannot take any of these medications, please let your doctor know so that alternative protocol can be discussed.

  • Ibuprofen {Motrin/ Advil) 600mg or 800mg as prescribed by your doctor.
    • Take ibuprofen 600mg or 800mg immediately after surgery.
    • Then continue taking every 8 hours for the next 48-72 hours.
    • Maximum Daily Dose for adults = 3200mg/24hrs
    • Maximum Daily Dose for children=40mg/kg
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg
    • Take acetaminophen 325-650mg every 4 hours in addition to the ibuprofen.
    • Maximum Daily Dose for adults = 4000mg/24hrs from all sources
    • Children=75mg/kg/24 hrs from all sources (Maximum Daily Dose for children 4000mg/ 24hrs)
  • Tramadol (Ultram) 50mg As prescribed by your doctor
    • For breakthrough pain, take a 50mg tablet every 6 hours
    • Maximum Daily Dose for adults = 200mg
  • Narcotics containing acetaminophen (Norco, Lortab, Percocet, Ultracet) as prescribed by your doctor
    • For breakthrough pain only, take the prescribed narcotic every 4 hours in addition to the ibuprofen. DO NOT take acetaminophen to supplement your narcotic as most narcotic prescriptions have acetaminophen in them, unless you discuss with the doctor. DO NOT exceed 4000mg /24hrs from all sources combined.
    • If you take the narcotic you will need to STOP taking acetaminophen.
    • For after hour post-operative emergencies call the Rock Hill office 803-324-1160.

Manage Pain with The Center’s Post Surgery Instructions