No dental procedure is pleasant, but there are some that you might anticipate as being painful -- especially after recovery. Before undergoing these procedures, you may want to consider the following methods of reducing pain.
1. Begin taking pain medication directly following the procedure.
You need to take pain medication right away. If you take the pain medication when you begin to feel pain, it will not take effect until well after you're already in pain -- there is nothing that you can do to hurry along the effectiveness of pain medication.
2. Always use compresses when swelling is a factor.
As many dentists will tell you, it's not the actual procedure that usually causes pain. Usually, it's the swelling. Using a compress as soon as possible and consistently will ensure that swelling does not cause any additional pain. If the compress itself is uncomfortable, you can alternate placing it on and taking it off.
3. Follow the dentist's instructions precisely.
A simple dental procedure can rapidly become painful if you do not follow the dentist's instructions. As an example, if you don't clean your braces as the dentist describes, you could end up with a cavity. Likewise, if you use a stray or smoke after a wisdom tooth extraction, you could develop a very painful issue called dry socket. One Langley orthodontist from Amazing Smile Dental suggested that those patients who listen to their dentists' advice are those who are most likely to have the best results with any procedure.
4. Prepare your food in advance.
Regardless of the dental procedure you're going through, it's likely that you will have some trouble consuming foods. Always prepare your food in advance so that you are able to minimize discomfort and aren't tempted to eat something that could complicate your recovery or cause you pain. Liquid foods such as soup, cream of wheat or puddings are usually preferable.
5. Always finish your course of antibiotics.
One of the leading causes of pain following a major dental procedure occurs during infection. Infection leads to swelling and can inflame the nerves around your mouth. To avoid an infection, finish your course of antibiotics and ensure that your oral hygiene is taken care of. You should also check your mouth regularly to ensure that it isn't exhibiting any of the signs of infection: discolored gums and excess bleeding are indicators that something might be wrong.
In general, pain should never be part of the dental procedure process. With rare exceptions, the dentist should be able to ensure that you only experience discomfort rather than pain. If you are experiencing significant pain, it may be a sign that something is wrong. You should always talk to your dentist.