What analgesic is most appropriate for a patient with a history of gastric ulcer needing post-extraction pain relief?

Celecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2 (inflammation) while sparing COX-1 (gastric mucosal protection), making it safe for patients with GI disease. Ibuprofen and aspirin are non-selective COX inhibitors that damage the gastric mucosa. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic, not analgesic.