PijnvizierPain relief in dental care
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Situations

Postoperative bleeding

Active bleeding after surgery.

Prescription options

Assess the bleeding

For active postoperative bleeding, the KNMT generally recommends assessment within 60 minutes.

If the dentist first gives instructions by telephone to stop the bleeding, haemostasis must be achieved within 30 minutes. If not, or if in doubt, the patient should be seen or referred as soon as possible.

Medication context

Ask which antithrombotics and analgesics the patient has already taken. See When taking antithrombotics for the KIMO recommendation on NSAIDs.

Pain relief after haemostasis

For active postoperative bleeding, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid are unsuitable for pain relief. If pain relief is needed after assessment and haemostasis, choose paracetamol if appropriate for the patient.

Prescription options

Drafts for adults. Check the indication, contraindications and current medicines before prescribing.

Paracetamol aloneOnly if needed after assessment and haemostasis

First option for acute nociceptive pain. This example applies to adults weighing more than 55 kg without risk factors for hepatotoxicity.

Checks before prescribing

Include all paracetamol from over-the-counter and combination products. Adjust the dose if there are risk factors.

  • R/ Paracetamol 500 mg tablet

    Per dose
    1,000 mg by mouth (2 tablets)
    Frequency and interval in this example
    If necessary up to 3 times a day, approximately 8 hours between intakes
    Maximum per 24 hours
    3,000 mg (6 tablets)
    Quantity in this draft
    Maximum 12 tablets

Duration in this example: 2 days. Stop earlier if the medicine is no longer needed. Reassess if pain relief is inadequate or pain worsens.

Sources for this topic

Reference for dentists on acute dental pain and pain after treatment.