PijnvizierPain relief in dental care
EN
Situations

Painful or bleeding gums

Acute periodontal complaints and local assessment.

Prescription options

Identify the cause

Examine the gingiva and periodontium in localised pain, swelling or gingival bleeding. For necrotising gingivitis or periodontitis, SDCEP initially recommends local professional cleaning.

If swelling develops or spreads

For an abscess or signs of spread, follow Swelling and infection.

Pain relief alongside local treatment

For pain from acute periodontal inflammation, paracetamol is a first option alongside local cleaning or drainage if appropriate. For active bleeding, avoid ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid for pain relief.

Prescription options

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

Paracetamol aloneAs an adjunct to local cleaning or drainage

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.