CBD and Dental Pain: What a New Pilot Study Suggests About Post-Extraction Relief

Tooth extractions are so common that most people experience at least one in their lifetime. Whether it’s the removal of a wisdom tooth or a damaged molar, the days that follow can be uncomfortable. Many people describe the same pattern: a dull ache that intensifies once the anaesthetic wears off, followed by tenderness, swelling, and the challenge of trying to eat without aggravating the area. For some, over-the-counter pain relief works well. For others, sensitivity to medication, health conditions, or simple curiosity prompts the search for a gentler, more natural approach.

This is where CBD often enters the conversation. Known for its calming, anti-inflammatory potential, CBD has become a popular option for people wanting plant-based support during painful or stressful moments. But while stories circulate online about CBD helping with discomfort, scientific evidence has remained limited - especially in dentistry.

Recently, researchers conducted a small pilot study to explore whether CBD oil could help people manage pain after a simple tooth extraction. Although the study was modest in scale, its findings offer early insight into how CBD might play a role in postoperative comfort, and where more research is needed. If you’ve ever wondered whether CBD could support recovery after dental work, this study provides a helpful starting point.

Why Researchers Wanted to Study CBD for Dental Pain

Pain after a tooth extraction is extremely common, and while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are usually the first line of treatment, they’re not suitable for everyone. Some people experience stomach irritation, cannot combine NSAIDs with other medication, or simply find that standard painkillers are not effective enough. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative, non-opioid ways to manage short-term pain.

CBD - short for cannabidiol - is one of the best-known non-intoxicating compounds found in the cannabis plant. It does not produce a “high” and has been widely researched for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-modulating) effects. The body’s endocannabinoid system, which CBD interacts with, is present in many tissues, including the mouth and gums. Laboratory research has shown that CBD may help reduce inflammatory signals in oral cells, which could be relevant to the swelling and soreness that often follow an extraction. 

Despite this biological rationale, real-world clinical studies in dental settings remain rare. One larger trial previously found that a single high dose of CBD reduced dental pain within a few hours, but the dosing used in that work was not practical for everyday use. That gap sparked the interest behind the new pilot study: could CBD, taken in more realistic concentrations over several days, offer gentle support after tooth removal?

Inside the Study: How the Research Was Designed

The study was designed as a pilot trial, which means it was intentionally small and exploratory. Its purpose wasn’t to give final answers, but to see whether CBD showed signs of effectiveness worth investigating further.

Eight adults undergoing simple (non-surgical) tooth extraction were randomly assigned to one of four groups:

• CBD oil at 17 mg/mL

• CBD oil at 37 mg/mL

• Placebo oil

• Standard therapy (ibuprofen + acetaminophen)

Everyone except the standard treatment group received their oil in identical dropper bottles. The CBD and placebo oils were taken in 0.5 mL doses every 4–6 hours as needed for up to seven days.

To understand how pain changed over time, participants received short questionnaires by text message several times a day. They noted how strong their pain felt on a 0–10 scale and whether they needed additional medication. This real-time method, called ecological momentary assessment, helps researchers avoid the inaccuracy that can come with trying to remember pain levels after the fact.

By tracking early hours and days after extraction, the researchers hoped to see how CBD compared with standard treatment, and whether different concentrations made a difference.

What the Study Found

Although the small sample size limits firm conclusions, the study revealed several noteworthy patterns - especially when comparing the two CBD concentrations.

Higher-Concentration CBD Appeared More Promising

Participants who received the 37 mg/mL CBD oil reported the lowest and most stable pain levels throughout the first 72 hours. Their pain scores closely resembled those taking the standard ibuprofen-and-acetaminophen combination, suggesting that higher-strength CBD may offer similar levels of comfort in the early phase of recovery. 

Lower-Concentration CBD Mirrored the Placebo

In contrast, the 17 mg/mL CBD oil group showed pain patterns almost identical to the placebo. This hints that there may be a threshold below which CBD is not strong enough to produce noticeable pain-relief effects in acute dental situations.

Placebo Group Reported the Highest Pain

The placebo group consistently reported the most prolonged and intense pain levels, reinforcing that the differences seen in the CBD 37 mg/mL group were not random.

Taste and Expectations Influenced Experience

Some participants commented on the taste of the oils - ranging from “horrible” to “a bit like grapefruit” - while others noticed that the effects were not immediate, which affected their guesses about what they had been given. This highlights how personal expectations can shape the perceived impact of a product, and why strong blinding matters in clinical research.

CBD Was Well Tolerated

No serious adverse events occurred. Mild effects such as dry mouth or drowsiness were infrequent and short-lived, and all participants completed the trial. 

Why These Early Findings Matter

Dental pain may be short-lived, but it can significantly affect daily life, particularly in the first two to three days. The fact that higher-concentration CBD produced pain patterns similar to standard therapy is encouraging - not because CBD replaces medication, but because it could offer an additional or alternative option for people seeking non-opioid, plant-based support.

CBD may also appeal to individuals who:

• cannot tolerate NSAIDs

• prefer a natural approach to postoperative care

• want something that complements their existing pain management plan

• are interested in supporting calm and comfort during recovery

The study’s results fit with what many people describe anecdotally: CBD may not “switch off” pain instantly, but it might influence underlying pathways linked to inflammation and sensitivity. This can translate into a gentler, steadier sense of relief as tissues begin to heal.

What the Study Doesn’t Yet Tell Us

Because this was a pilot trial with only eight participants, many important questions remain unanswered:

• What is the ideal dose of CBD for dental pain?

• How long should CBD be taken after an extraction?

• Would a larger, more diverse population show the same patterns?

• How does CBD interact with other recovery habits, such as cold compresses or rest?

• Would results differ after more complex dental procedures, like surgical extractions?

• The researchers emphasised that their findings should be viewed as exploratory. 

A larger follow-up trial is needed to confirm whether CBD truly provides meaningful support and to identify who might benefit most.

How People Commonly Use CBD to Support Comfort

While the study tested specific concentrations and dosing schedules, people often approach CBD in personalised ways. Although CBD is not a medical treatment, many individuals use it as part of a broader comfort-support routine.

Common approaches include:

• Starting low and adjusting gradually, allowing the body time to respond.

• Observing how discomfort changes over the day or night after taking CBD.

• Opting for high-quality, third-party tested oils, which provide transparency about cannabinoid content.

• Combining CBD with gentle self-care, such as rest, hydration, and good oral hygiene after an extraction.

• Using CBD oils or capsules rather than edibles, as oral extracts allow more precise dosing.

Everyone’s experience with CBD is different, and the ideal approach often depends on sensitivity, metabolism, and the nature of the discomfort.

Safety Considerations

The study found CBD to be well tolerated, but it’s still important to consider individual circumstances. CBD may interact with certain medications, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions should seek professional advice before using CBD products.

As with any supplement, quality matters. Products with clear lab testing and transparent ingredients provide reassurance about what you are taking.

Conclusion: A Small Step Forward for Understanding CBD and Dental Pain

This pilot study offers early, encouraging signals that higher-concentration CBD might support comfort after tooth extraction. While the findings are far from definitive, they add to a growing conversation about the role of CBD in short-term pain and recovery.

Most importantly, the study shows that CBD may have a place within a broader, non-opioid approach to postoperative care. As larger studies emerge, we will gain a clearer picture of how CBD can best support people during dental recovery.

For now, this research provides reassurance for anyone curious about using CBD to support their overall comfort: its effects may be subtle, but they may help create a smoother, more manageable recovery experience.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Abidi AH, Kassan M, Derefinko K. Oral cannabidiol for acute post-extraction pain: a randomized pilot study. Pharmaceuticals. 2025 Dec;18(12):1792.