Pentazocine can be a useful analgesic agent for the management of acute dental pain. It has both central and peripheral opioid activity. In clinical trials, analgesic compounds containing pentazocine have been shown to effectively relieve moderate-to-severe pain. It is an appropriate analgesic for the codeine-sensitive patient. Because of a change in formulation, the potential for abuse has been minimized. Although there is a possibility that the drug may have a psychotomimetic effect, the incidence is low and should not preclude use. Analgesic compounds containing pentazocine are clinically appropriate for the management of surgically induced dental pain.