Home Remedies for Pain Relief After Oral Surgery
April 23, 2020 8:00 am |As providers of comprehensive dental care, we’re no strangers to questions from patients about how they can manage possible discomfort after oral surgery. Whether you are healing from dental implants or a tooth extraction, you’ll want to have some home remedies for pain relief at-the-ready.
After the local anesthesia wears off the day of your procedure, it’s normal to experience slight discomfort that persists for several days during your recovery. Read on to learn about some home remedies for pain relief after oral surgery!
Take Pain Medication
After oral surgery, many patients find they can relieve their pain with extra-strength acetaminophen. Your dental provider might have prescribed you with pain medication or they might have given you specific instructions about what kind of over-the-counter pain reliever you can use. Whatever the case, remember to follow their directions carefully, to also consult your general physician if need be, to never take medication on an empty stomach, and to never drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medication. If using over-the-counter products, always follow the label’s directions. Additionally, do not take anyone else’s prescription for pain medicine.
Rinse with Salt & Water
You should avoid spitting, swishing, and rinsing for the first 24 hours after surgery. But after several days, your dental provider may clear you to use a saltwater rinse. To make this mixture, just add about a teaspoon or so of salt to a cup of slightly warm water (make sure the water isn’t too hot!). Gently swish the liquid in your mouth for about 10-30 seconds and then spit it out. Rinse 2-3 times a day for 4-5 days, increasing the vigorousness each day. This simple but powerful rinse will help keep your mouth clean and pain at bay.
Apply an Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the side of your face where you received oral surgery can help you manage pain while also reducing swelling. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your face for 20 minutes. You can then repeat after a 15-20 minute break. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can use a bag of frozen veggies or a plastic baggie filled with crushed ice. We also recommend keeping your head and shoulders slightly elevated for the first 48 hours.
Want More Oral Pain Relief Tips?
If you need more help managing your dental pain or experience a dental emergency, Optima Dental Spa is here for you! Contact us today to get some advice from our expert team.
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Categorised in: Dental Tips, Oral Surgery