ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A study concluded that the use of over-the-counter pain relievers is more effective than opioids for pain management after wisdom teeth extractions. "This is really something we feel can have a significant effect on the prescriptions we have in the United States and one thing I think we all know: We have an opioid crisis," said Dr. Hans Malmstrom with the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. "Many people still prefer to give opioids as the first choice, the first line in treating acute pain, but now we hope that that's going to have a significant impact." UR Medicine's Eastman Institute for Oral Health played a part in this study, which included more than 1,000 adults who were either given a combination of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen or an opioid combination. Those not taking opioids reported less pain and better sleep. "Other patients who have taken narcotics, they become dependent on that and with the Ibuprofen and the Tylenol there's no dependency, there's no negative side effects to it. You just take it and take it together of course and you'll feel relief within a few hours," said Calvin Sam, a patient at Eastman Dental. Consistency is key: Unlocking your fitness potential with experts Experts said the study could encourage a new standard for dental and other pain to address the opioid crisis.