It can go on for ages, and I'm another one who is wary of prolonged use of painkillers. But it is so hard to see them in pain

Maybe try & alternate things, and give her a night off from panadol etc every so often if you can? Especially if the gel & the Hylands tablets work.

Also, Nurofen is the bomb for teething becuase it's an anti-inflammatory (recent experience says it's good for tothache generally ) but be careful of giving it to them on an empty stomach, not good for tummies. I try & at least give Pie some milk first.