We will always do our best to help prevent post-operative discomfort, but as with any dental procedure where hard (tooth), and soft (gum) issue is manipulated, there is bound to be some discomfort.  The following protocol will be of the benefit to patients, provided they are NOT ALLERGIC TO ASPIRIN OR TYLENOL:

1. Take 600 mg. of Ibuprofen (trade names:  Advil, Nuprin, Motrin IB, or just generic Ibuprofen 200 mg.)  To get a total of 600 mg., you must take 3 tablets of the 200 mg. form.  We prefer 600 mg. (3 tablets) to 200 mg., or 400 mg. because the first 400 mg. is for pain relief, the next 200 mg. is anti-inflammatory in nature and actually helps prevent pain.  Most dental pain is due to inflammation thus, by taking 600 mg. every six hours, you will actually help prevent pain.  If in the event the 600 mg. Ibuprofen upsets your stomach, then cut back to 1 or 2 tablets.
2. If the Ibuprofen does not control your pain, then take 2 tablets of Tylenol Extra Strength (Tylenol 500 mg., APAP 500 mg., or generic Acetaminophen 500 mg.) every six hours, along with the Ibuprofen 600 mg.
3. If the Ibuprofen and Tylenol Extra Strength combination does not control your pain, then call our office (even after normal office hours, an emergency contact number will be provided on the answering machine) and we will phone in a prescription to the pharmacy for you.  We will have you take the Ibuprofen 600 mg., one Tylenol Extra Strength, and one Narcotic tablet every six hours.  If this does not control the pain, then take the Ibuprofen 600 mg. and two Narcotic tablets.  (Note:  Each prescription Narcotic tablet, will have Tylenol in it as well as Narcotic).