Treating Dental Surgery Pain

Dental surgery requires recovery, and this can be painful. There are many ways that technology helps us to alleviate the pain of dental procedures; however, some pain is still unavoidable. Here are some ways you can try to deal with dental surgery pain that might help you to get through recovery without losing your mind.

Before Surgery

Prepare by stocking up on soft foods that are easy on the teeth. Be sure to have some anti-inflammatory medication on hand for after surgery. Ask your dentist for a local anesthetic whenever possible, even if you are being put to sleep; that way afterward you will be numb for a few hours. This gives you time to fill your prescriptions and pick up your pain medications.

Dental Prescriptions

Most likely your surgeon will prescribe analgesics for pain and antibiotics to prevent infection of surgery sites. You may also get a prescription for anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, but if not you can get it over the counter. You may also get a special numbing mouthwash that can be very helpful during recovery will keep your surgery site clean. If you get antibiotics you want to take them as instructed until they are all gone.

After Surgery

Don’t forget to exercise your jaw by slowly opening and closing your mouth; this will flex your muscles in your jaw and stretch them out. Be sure to complete your antibiotic regimen so that you don’t end up with infections from incisions. Use antibacterial mouthwash when your dentist says it is safe. If you have swelling in your face or neck ice packs can help to bring it down. Stick to the soft foods you bought for recovery.