Patient had a simple single extraction and is asking for hydrocodone. What do you do?

Correct answer: B. Give a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen

• A. Opioids are not indicated for a simple, single extraction, and a 'lifelong' prescription is never appropriate for acute post-op pain.
• B. Correct. Current evidence-based guidelines recommend a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen as first-line analgesia for routine dental post-operative pain, often equal to or more effective than opioids with fewer risks.
• C. An opioid-containing medication is not first-line for routine extraction pain and carries unnecessary risk of dependency/side effects.
• D. A cold compress alone is insufficient for adequate pain management; pharmacologic analgesia is appropriate.