Introduction
One of the most important symptoms of root canal inflammation is strong, pulling pain that can radiate from the tooth to the jaw or eye. Therefore, the relief of pain plays an important role in the treatment of such an inflammation. The painkiller ibuprofen is often prescribed to relieve pain, inhibit the inflammation and reduce fever.
Effect
Pharmacologically, ibuprofen belongs to the class of NSAIDs, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including diclofenac and ASS. They all differ slightly in their mode of action. Ibuprofen inhibits the so-called cyclooxygenases I and II.
These are enzymes which are responsible for the formation of special messenger substances, the prostaglandins, during an inflammation. The prostaglandins, in turn, act as inflammation mediators and mediate, among other things, the sensation of pain. So if the inflammation mediators cannot be produced, the pain cannot be transmitted.
This is called the analgesic effect of ibuprofen and is one of the three main effects. The other two types of action are called antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) and antipyretic (fever-reducing). The fever reduction is the least developed of these.
Ibuprofen also prevents the formation of inflammatory mediators in the case of dental root inflammation, which leads to an improvement in pain. Of course, the anti-inflammatory effect also benefits the affected patient, as it reduces the swelling of the tissue. After about four to six hours, the effect subsides and the pain can return.
Degradation takes place via the liver and excretion via the kidneys. After about 2.5 hours, half of the active ingredient taken has left the body again. Severe toothache should only ever be treated with an analgesic for a short period of time.
Just until the cause is found and eliminated by the dentist. If the ibuprofen does not help, this may be because the dose was not high enough. However, in the case of very severe pain, one tablet with 800mg of active ingredient is usually sufficient to achieve short-term freedom from pain.
If this is not the case, under no circumstances should other painkillers be taken in combination. Strong interactions could occur! It is best to take another painkiller ibuprofen some time later and make an appointment with the dentist for the same day.
Per day 2400mg of the active substance ibuprofen are allowed. If you take even larger quantities, symptoms of poisoning will occur. Care should still be taken to ensure that the tablets are taken throughout the day.
There are also some home remedies that provide relief from toothache. Cold, camomile flower wraps, cloves or onion juice should help. Higher doses should always be discussed with the dentist in advance.