POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN DENTISTRY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE USE OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

Dominika Domanowska; Dominik Domoń; Antoni Liebert; Natalia Klimek; Adam Niedziela; Martyna Kaplińska; Magdalena Nieroda; Hanna Wilska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3553

Dominika Domanowska Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Dentistry, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2965-7754
Dominik Domoń Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7631-4563
Antoni Liebert Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8778-1803
Natalia Klimek Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3644-2529
Adam Niedziela Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland http://orcid.org/0009-0002-6178-6484
Martyna Kaplińska Warsaw Medical University, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1236-0166
Magdalena Nieroda Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2838-1954
Hanna Wilska Międzylesie Specialist Hospital, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6483-5440

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3553

Keywords: NSAIDs, Dental Pain, Postoperative Pain, Analgesia, Dentistry

Abstract

Background. Postoperative pain is a frequent consequence of dental procedures and significantly affects patient comfort and recovery. The severity and duration of pain vary depending on the type of procedure and individual patient factors. Although it usually resolves within a few days, in some cases it may become chronic. Effective pain management is therefore essential.

Aim. This review presents contemporary strategies for managing postoperative dental pain, with particular emphasis on the use and efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Material and methods. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant peer-reviewed original articles, systematic reviews, and clinical trials published in English were selected. The inclusion criteria focused on studies concerning the use of NSAIDs in various dental disciplines, including conservative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontology, prosthetics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Articles not related to dental postoperative pain or NSAID use, case reports, and expert opinions were excluded.

Results. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and selective COX-2 inhibitors have proven effective in reducing postoperative dental pain across a broad range of procedures. Their mechanism involves cyclooxygenase inhibition and modulation of inflammatory pathways. In many clinical scenarios, NSAIDs surpass opioids and paracetamol alone in efficacy. Preoperative administration is often beneficial, especially in pediatric and orthodontic cases. Additional non-pharmacological methods, such as cryotherapy and laser therapy, further enhance outcomes. However, gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risks must be considered.

Conclusions. NSAIDs are fundamental in managing postoperative dental pain due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The best outcomes are achieved through a personalized, multimodal approach combining NSAIDs with non-pharmacological strategies, ensuring effective pain relief while minimizing adverse effects.

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