Study: High-Dose CBD Performs Similarly to Standard Pain Medications After Tooth Extractions

A pilot clinical trial reports that a high concentration of cannabidiol can help manage pain following simple tooth extractions at levels comparable to commonly used non-opioid medications. The study was published by Pharmaceuticals (Basel) and conducted by researchers from the University of Tennessee and Lincoln Memorial University. It examined whether oral CBD could serve as a feasible option for managing acute dental pain, one of the most common complaints following routine oral surgery.

Researchers enrolled eight adults undergoing simple tooth extractions and randomly assigned them to one of four groups: an oral CBD solution containing 17 mg per milliliter, a higher-concentration CBD solution containing 37 mg per milliliter, a placebo, or standard treatment using ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Participants in the CBD and placebo groups were instructed to take 0.5 mL per dose every four to six hours as needed for pain, for up to seven days following the procedure. This translated to approximately 8.5 mg of CBD per dose in the lower-concentration group and about 18.5 mg per dose in the higher-concentration group. Those assigned to the standard-care group followed a conventional non-opioid pain management regimen using ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Pain intensity was tracked over the first 72 hours using a 0–10 numeric rating scale collected through ecological momentary assessments. All participants completed follow-up, and adherence to pain reporting exceeded 75%.

Participants receiving the higher-dose CBD reported lower pain scores over time, closely resembling those seen in the ibuprofen and acetaminophen group. The lower-dose CBD and placebo groups showed more limited pain relief.

The authors conclude that while the findings are exploratory, higher-concentration CBD appeared to produce pain patterns similar to standard non-opioid therapy in this feasibility study. They say a larger, fully powered trial is needed to determine effectiveness, safety, and dosing, along with improved controls and additional outcome measures.