Tooth pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus on daily life. If you’re taking Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) for opioid addiction or pain management, you might be wondering: Can Suboxone help with tooth pain?
The short answer: Suboxone is not an effective treatment for dental pain. While it contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, it is not designed for acute pain relief, especially for severe toothaches or dental procedures.
Let’s look closer at why Suboxone doesn’t work well for tooth pain, what alternative pain relief options exist, and what to do if you need dental work while on Suboxone.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone is primarily used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
It contains two key ingredients:
- Buprenorphine – A partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors but produces a weaker effect than full opioids like oxycodone or heroin.
- Naloxone – An opioid antagonist that helps prevent misuse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids if Suboxone is injected.
Why Suboxone Doesn’t Work Well for Tooth Pain
Suboxone is long-acting, which makes it effective for treating addiction but not for managing acute, short-term pain like a toothache.
- Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, meaning increasing the dose won’t provide stronger pain relief.
- It binds very tightly to opioid receptors, blocking the effects of stronger opioids that might otherwise help with dental pain.
- Tooth pain is often caused by inflammation or infection, which opioids don’t directly treat—NSAIDs like ibuprofen are often more effective.
What to Do for Tooth Pain While on Suboxone
If you have dental pain while taking Suboxone, consider these safer and more effective pain relief options:
1. Non-Opioid Pain Medications
Many dental professionals recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the first-line treatment for tooth pain.
These include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Can be combined with ibuprofen for added pain relief.
- Naproxen (Aleve) – Another effective NSAID for pain and swelling.
2. Topical and Home Remedies
If you need immediate relief, try:
- Clove oil – A natural numbing agent applied directly to the affected area.
- Saltwater rinses – Help reduce inflammation and fight infection.
- Cold compresses – Can reduce swelling and numb pain.
3. Antibiotics for Infections
If an infection (abscess) causes your tooth pain, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as:
- Amoxicillin
- Clindamycin (for those allergic to penicillin)
Antibiotics won’t immediately stop the pain, but they will treat and prevent the underlying infection from worsening.
What If You Need a Tooth Extraction or Dental Surgery?
If you need a tooth extraction, root canal, or other dental procedure, tell your dentist you are taking Suboxone. They may need to adjust your pain management plan.
Pain Management Options After Dental Work
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen together – Studies show this combination can be as effective as opioids for dental pain.
- Local anesthetics (lidocaine, novocaine) – Used during procedures to numb pain.
- Steroids (like dexamethasone) – Sometimes prescribed to reduce post-surgical swelling and pain.
Can You Take Opioids for Tooth Pain While on Suboxone?
Opioid painkillers like hydrocodone (Norco), oxycodone (Percocet), or morphine are not effective while taking Suboxone because buprenorphine blocks the effects of full opioids.
- If opioids are absolutely necessary, your doctor may pause Suboxone and transition you to a different medication.
- This should only be done under medical supervision, as stopping Suboxone can increase the risk of relapse.
QuickMD: Get Online Treatment for Opioid Addiction & Pain Management
If you are struggling with opioid addiction or need help managing pain while on Suboxone, QuickMD offers:
- Online Suboxone treatment – Get a prescription from the comfort of home.
- Same-day telehealth appointments – Speak with a licensed provider fast.
- Affordable counseling services – Support for addiction, pain management, and life’s challenges.
Online Counseling for Pain & Recovery
Managing pain—especially while in recovery—can be stressful. QuickMD offers affordable virtual counseling to help you:
- Cope with chronic pain, stress, and addiction recovery challenges
- Get professional support from anywhere
- Access secure and confidential sessions, starting at just $45 for 30 minutes
Suboxone for Tooth Pain: Final Thoughts
While Suboxone is a powerful tool for opioid addiction treatment, it is not an effective option for tooth pain. Instead, NSAIDs, home remedies, and dental treatments are the best ways to manage dental pain safely.If you’re struggling with pain relief while on Suboxone, talk to a doctor about safe alternatives. And if you need addiction treatment, QuickMD can help you get started today.
