Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

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What is the preferred analgesic for moderate dental pain?

  1. Acetaminophen

  2. Ibuprofen

  3. Codeine

  4. Naproxen

The correct answer is: Acetaminophen

When addressing moderate dental pain, the preferred analgesic tends to be ibuprofen. This preference is based on its effectiveness in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation, which is commonly associated with dental conditions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are often recommended over other options because they provide both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This dual action can be particularly beneficial in dental cases where inflammation is a contributing factor to pain. Acetaminophen, while effective for pain relief, does not possess the anti-inflammatory properties that NSAIDs have, making it less ideal for pain that has an inflammatory component. Codeine, on the other hand, is an opioid and is typically reserved for more severe pain due to its potential for addiction and side effects. Naproxen, while also an NSAID, is not as commonly used in the immediate management of moderate dental pain when compared to ibuprofen, which has a faster onset of action and a favorable safety profile for outpatient use. Understanding the benefits of each analgesic aids in providing effective and appropriate pain management in dental practice.