A double-blind placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of a compound analgesic to prevent postoperative pain following oral surgery

It has been suggested that small doses of opioid drugs given prior to surgery can reduce postoperative pain. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a paracetamol/codeine combination and paracetamol alone in preventing the pain following surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth under general anaesthesia. Analysis of the results showed no statistical differences between treatment groups when compared with placebo. We suggest that the opioids may not be the best drugs available to prevent the moderate to severe pain present following some oral surgery procedures.