If you are nervous about an upcoming dental procedure and are looking for more information, read this blog post. Our Winnipeg dentists share facts about dental surgery, and how you can manage any discomfort you may feel afterward.
What's dental surgery?
Dental (oral) surgery consists of diagnosing and surgically treating and conditions or injuries in the soft or hard tissues of the teeth, jaws, face, and mouth. At Academy Dental Group, our dentistry team takes a preventive approach to dental care and treatments, always using the least invasive option for treatment possible.
Although, there are situations where it won't be sufficient to use a less invasive treatment option and oral surgery is required.
These are a few common types of dental surgery:
- Impacted wisdom tooth removal
- Root canal
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dental surgery
- Jaw and reconstructive surgery
Will I feel pain during or after dental 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
Nitrous oxide is a gas that's inhaled through the nose and mouth. It helps keep patients calm, lowers anxiety, reduces gag reflex, and makes time seem to pass faster. This method provides minimal sedation and can help you feel relaxed and drowsy.
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 can prescribe oral sedatives in liquid or pill form for more complicated surgeries. You’ll take this medication orally before the dental procedure for a calming, relaxing effect.
Local Anesthesia
A numbing substance will likely be applied to your gums via injection, near the extraction site in all cases. While the anesthetic will not completely numb the area, you shouldn’t feel pain or sharpness.
You may be able to feel pressure or movement. For a simple extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will likely use a local anesthetic, and you’ll be awake for the procedure.
After Surgery
Following your surgery your dentist might recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), to help alleviate any discomfort or pain you might be experiencing.
They might prescribe stronger pain medications if you have had a complex surgery that involves the gums and bones.
How can I manage the pain after my surgery?
After you have had dental surgery, be sure to follow your dentist’s post-operative self-care recommendations which could include:
- Apply an ice pack on your cheek or affected area
- Get lots of rest - no strenuous physical activity
- Rinse with saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery
- Prop your head on a pillow when lying down
- Eat soft, cool foods (to avoid shocking any sensitive nerves)
- Use warm compresses
- Eat soft, cool foods (to avoid shocking any sensitive nerves)
Though there might be some pain involved with your dental surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon can help you manage the pain with sedatives and local anesthesia during the surgery.
Following your procedure, prescription medication or OTC drugs might be recommended to help manage any post-operative discomfort or pain. Though your recovery timeline will vary depending on the surgery, any tenderness you feel should only last several days.