Post-operative pain is an area of oral surgery that concerns both patients and practitioners. Adequate management of pain and anxiety in oral surgery is an essential component of any oral surgery service. In this paper, we explore the science behind pain and the drugs available to manage post-operative pain. Discussion is focussed on the analgesics available on the dental practitioners' formulary and the evidence base supporting their use. We explore the beneficial and adverse effects of these analgesics. We also discuss recent controversies relating to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. Based on the evidence available, we have developed a protocol to assist practitioners when advising and prescribing analgesics for their patients.
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