If you have an upcoming dental surgery, you are probably wondering if you are going to experience any pain after your procedure. In this blog, our Timmins dentists share some facts you should know about the post-operative effects and how you can manage any pain you may feel.
What is dental surgery?
Dental (oral) surgery consists of diagnosing and surgically treating any injuries, disease, or defects of the soft and hard tissues of the teeth, face, mouth, and jaws. Our dental team at Hollinger Dental Group takes a preventive approach when it comes to dental treatments and we always utilize the least invasive treatment possible for any dental issue.
But, there are some situations where the less invasive treatment methods aren't sufficient and oral surgery is required.
Below we have listed some of the most common kinds of oral surgery:
- Impacted wisdom tooth removal
- Root canal
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dental surgery
- Jaw and reconstructive surgery
Will I experience any pain during or following my surgery?
Depending on your comfort level and how complex your oral surgery procedure is, your dentist or oral surgeon may use one or more types of anesthesia to reduce pain and help you feel more comfortable.
After your surgery, you’ll be given after-care instructions to help alleviate any pain and aid your recovery.
During Surgery
Nitrous Oxide
This gas is inhaled through the mouth and nose. It will help calm you, reduce gag reflex, decrease anxiety and make time seem to pass quicker. This option offers minimal sedation that will help you feel drowsy and relaxed.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is more moderate and covers a number of medications that can be administered directly into the bloodstream, through the vein. This offers the deepest level of sedation short of general anesthesia and you’ll have limited memory of the procedure.
Oral Sedation
Your dentist may prescribe oral sedatives in a pill or liquid form for surgeries that are more complex. You will need to orally take this medication prior to your dental procedure to get a relaxing, calming effect.
Local Anesthesia
In all dental surgeries, your dentist will probably apply a local anesthetic to your gums with an injection, near the extraction site. While the anesthetic won't make the area completely numb, you shouldn’t experience any sharpness or pain.
You might experience some movement or pressure. For a simple extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will probably use a local anesthetic, and you’ll be awake during the procedure.
After Surgery
Your dentist may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), to help manage any postoperative pain or discomfort.
A more powerful pain medication may be prescribed if you had a complex surgery involving the bones and gums.
How to Manage the Pain
After dental surgery, follow your dentist’s post-operative self-care recommendations. These might include:
- Rinse with saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery
- Eat soft, cool foods (to avoid shocking any sensitive nerves)
- Apply an ice pack on your cheek or affected area
- Prop your head on a pillow when lying down
- Use warm compresses
- Get lots of rest - no strenuous physical activity
Though there may be pain involved with your dental surgery, your dentist or oral surgery can help manage pain with sedatives and local anesthesia during the surgery.
Following your procedure, prescription medication or OTC drug may be recommended to help manage postoperative pain or discomfort. Though your recovery timeline will vary depending on the surgery, any tenderness should only last a few days.