Could over-the-counter painkillers truly outperform opioids after dental surgery?

A Rutgers-led trial found that ibuprofen plus acetaminophen provided better pain relief and fewer side effects than opioids following dental surgery, challenging traditional prescribing habits. A Swiss national cohort showed that non–beta-lactam antibiotics nearly doubled surgical-site infection risk compared to beta-lactams, reinforcing their role in prophylaxis. Finally, a meta-analysis confirmed that acetaminophen remains safe during pregnancy when used appropriately, with no proven link to neurodevelopmental disorders.