This review examines the pharmacological management of acute odontogenic pain, defined as pain arising from the teeth or their supporting structures. The American Dental Association recommends non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, either alone or in combination with paracetamol, as first-line therapy for acute odontogenic pain following tooth extraction or associated with toothache. Evidence from multiple clinical trials demonstrates that combination therapy with ibuprofen and paracetamol provides greater and longer-lasting maximal pain relief than either agent alone, as well as superior efficacy compared with codeine, other commonly available over-the-counter analgesics, or codeine-containing combination products.
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