This post will help you find the best medicine for wisdom teeth pain and safe ways to feel better while you wait for care. You’ll get clear options for home treatment, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, and when to call a surgeon. Use this as general guidance and check with your oral surgeon or doctor for advice tailored to your health and medications.
Why wisdom tooth pain happens
Wisdom tooth pain can come from several common causes. Teeth that don’t have room to erupt can become impacted and press on the jaw or nearby teeth. Partially erupted teeth can trap food and bacteria, causing gum inflammation called pericoronitis. Infection around the tooth can cause throbbing pain and swelling. After extraction, a dry socket or surgical inflammation can make pain sharp and persistent. Knowing the cause helps pick the right treatment.
Choosing the best medicine for wisdom teeth pain
Pick a medicine based on how bad the pain is, whether there are signs of infection (fever, worsening swelling), allergies, and other drugs you take. People with stomach, heart, kidney, or bleeding issues may need alternatives to some painkillers. If you’re unsure, ask a provider before starting a new medicine. The goal is to control pain while treating any infection and avoiding unsafe combinations.
Over-the-counter first-line options
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain. Common choices are ibuprofen (200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, max about 1,200 mg/day OTC or up to 2,400 mg/day under doctor guidance) and naproxen (220 mg every 8–12 hours, max 660 mg/day OTC). Take with food to lower stomach upset. Avoid NSAIDs if you have active stomach ulcers, certain heart conditions, or severe kidney disease without medical advice.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is good when NSAIDs aren’t suitable. Typical dosing is 325–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, with a max of 3,000–4,000 mg/day depending on product and liver health. Never exceed the daily limit. For stronger relief, acetaminophen can be safely alternated or combined with an NSAID (stagger doses) — check with your provider to confirm safe timing and totals.
Prescription medicines and when they’re needed
Short course opioids
Opioids (like hydrocodone) may be prescribed for severe post-op pain for a short time. They reduce pain but carry risks: nausea, drowsiness, constipation, dependence, and overdose. Surgeons usually prescribe the smallest effective dose for the shortest period and encourage switching to NSAIDs/acetaminophen as soon as possible.
Antibiotics for infection
Antibiotics are used when there is clear bacterial infection (fever, spreading swelling, worsening pain). Common choices include amoxicillin; clindamycin is an option for penicillin-allergic patients. Always complete the full prescribed course and report side effects like severe diarrhea or allergic reactions.
Topical anesthetics and nerve block options
Local numbing gels or sprays can temporarily ease gum pain. During surgery, surgeons use local anesthetic nerve blocks and may offer IV sedation or long-lasting local agents to control pain immediately after the procedure.
Non-drug pain relief that helps
Cold packs applied outside the cheek for 15–20 minutes can reduce swelling and pain. Warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours can soothe the gum and help cleanliness. Eat soft foods, avoid crunchy or spicy items, maintain gentle oral hygiene, and avoid tobacco. Sleep with your head elevated to lower swelling.
Warning signs — when to call an oral surgeon now
Seek urgent care for high fever, rapidly spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrollable pain despite meds, severely limited mouth opening, or signs of dry socket (intense throbbing several days after extraction). These require prompt evaluation.
How Midwest Oral Surgery & Dental Implants helps manage wisdom tooth pain
Midwest Oral Surgery & Dental Implants offers multi-doctor specialty care with board-certified surgeons, in-office and hospital options, IV sedation, and advanced pain-control tools like EXPAREL® to reduce opioid needs. They provide 24/7 emergency access for post-op pain or complications and personalized plans for safe, effective relief.
Quick summary and next steps
For most people, the best medicine for wisdom teeth pain starts with NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen, plus home measures like cold packs and soft food. Antibiotics or short opioid courses are for specific situations. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, contact your oral surgeon for tailored care and immediate help.