5 Ways to Manage Pain After Oral Surgery

September 29, 2023, dentaltown

Having successfully navigated your oral surgery, looking after your mouth is crucial to facilitate a smooth and speedy recovery. Whether you've just had your wisdom teeth extracted, fitted with new dental implants, or undergone any other dental procedure, many easy measures exist to alleviate discomfort and ward off potential infections. 
 

Consume Pain Relief Medication

Post-oral surgery, patients find relief from their discomfort through potent acetaminophen. Your dental professional may have provided a prescription for pain relievers, or they may have guided you on the appropriate over-the-counter analgesics you can utilize. In any situation, it's imperative to comply with their advice meticulously.
Consult your primary healthcare provider if necessary. It's recommended not to consume medication on an empty stomach and to abstain from driving or handling machinery while on prescription painkillers. If you're utilizing non-prescription products, it's crucial to abide by the instructions given on the packaging. Moreover, refrain from using pain medications prescribed to others.

Consider PRF for Dental Pain

Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, is a substance derived entirely from your own blood cells or tissues, making it fully autologous. Essentially, PRF is a component of your blood, which takes on a jelly-like texture once isolated from the rest of the blood. Its total compatibility with your body stems from the fact that it's entirely composed of your own cells. To generate PRF, your blood undergoes a centrifugation process.
PRF is then directly applied to areas needing healing, such as cavities remaining after tooth extraction. Not only does PRF accelerate the healing process, but it also enhances wound recovery beyond what natural healing can achieve on its own.
PRF therapy is an excellent resource for bone grafting due to its durability, strength, suitability, and suitability as a matrix for bone grafting material. Check out sites like Selphyl for a detailed explanation of how PRF works.

Relax and Unwind

Once your appointment is over, set aside the rest of your day for relaxation. The sedative administered might cause you to feel sleepy. Don't drive or engage in any activities that demand focus. Additionally, you should refrain from intense physical activities. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects as this could potentially disturb the blood clots and result in bleeding. When it's time to sleep, ensure you prop up your head using additional pillows.

Ice it

It's typical for your face to experience swelling or bruising. To manage this, use an ice pack on your jaw for half an hour, take a 15-minute break and repeat the process within the first day. If you underwent surgery on both sides of your mouth, alternate applying a single ice pack from one side to the other, applying it for 15 minutes before switching sides. Expect the swelling to subside after two to three days.

Gargle with a salt and water

Following surgery, refrain from spitting, swishing, or rinsing for 24 hours. However, your dentist may authorize you to commence a saltwater rinse after a few days. To concoct this solution, simply dissolve roughly a teaspoon of salt in a cup of moderately warm water (be sure the water isn't excessively hot).

Carefully swish this mixture around your mouth for approximately 10 to 30 seconds before spitting it out. Implement this rinsing process two to three times daily over the course of four to five days, gradually intensifying the effort each day. This uncomplicated yet potent rinse will aid in maintaining oral hygiene and managing pain.

Endnote

Undeniably, the process of tooth removal and the subsequent recovery period can be quite discomforting. However, adhering to the prescribed guidelines and taking the necessary precautions and medications can make managing your pain significantly easier.
 

Comments