From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Indomethacin is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment for dental pain due to its higher risk of side effects compared to other NSAIDs. For dental pain management, it's better to use other NSAIDs like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6 hours) or naproxen (500mg initially, then 250mg every 6-8 hours) as they provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects, as suggested by recent studies 1. If pain is more severe, combining ibuprofen with acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) can provide enhanced analgesia. Some key points to consider when managing dental pain include:
- Using NSAIDs with caution and at the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects
- Addressing the underlying cause of dental pain by seeking dental care promptly, as pain medications only provide temporary relief
- Taking pain medication with food to reduce stomach irritation, staying hydrated, and discontinuing use if adverse effects occur, such as stomach pain, dizziness, or rash. The most recent and highest quality study available 1 supports the use of conservative therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for the management of temporomandibular joint disorder, but does not specifically recommend indomethacin as a first-line treatment.