Effect of preoperative paracetamol on pain after oral surgery

A double-blind, randomized cross-over trial was carried out in 50 patients undergoing surgical removal of bilaterally impacted lower wisdom teeth. Surgery in each patient was performed twice and paracetamol 1000 mg was administered once preoperatively and once postoperatively. The time interval to additional analgesic intake and the pain intensity up to and at that time were assessed. There was no difference between the 2 treatments. It was concluded that preoperative paracetamol does not offer any clinical advantage in patients who undergo surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom teeth.