Imagine that you have just undergone a wisdom tooth extraction and are now feeling the after-effects of the surgery. With a swollen cheek and a throbbing pain, you would be definitely be looking for ways to soothe the pain and speed up the recovery.
For some, Orajel is the solution to all things pain related. The magical little tube of numbing cream have been recognized as an effective way to relieve the pain caused by the wisdom tooth extraction. The problem is, is it ok to use it after an extraction?
The answer is Yes, it can be used. However, topical application is highly discouraged by dentists and oral surgeons as it may irritate the surgical site and cause an infection. Most dental professionals would recommend the use of oral medication such as painkillers (e.g Tylenol) and prescription opioids (e.g oxycodone) as it is highly effective in mitigating any pain caused by the wisdom tooth extraction.
In the rest of this article, we will explore what Orajel is, and elaborate on why it is not suitable as a pain reliever after your surgery.
What is Orajel?
Orajel is a well-known brand that manufactures over-the-counter oral care products such as topical analgesic gels and ointments. Its lineup of products typically contain active ingredients such as benzocaine or lidocaine; these ingredients work by work by temporarily numbing the affected area, reducing the sensation of pain or discomfort.
Orajel is commonly used to address oral issues including:
- Toothaches: Orajel can be applied topically to numb the area around a painful tooth, providing temporary relief until the underlying issue is addressed. Its lineup of toothache relieving products include Orajel™ Medicated For Toothache Gel and Orajel™ 4X Medicated For Toothache & Gum Cream.
- Gum Pain: It can be used for gum pain caused by various factors, such as irritation from orthodontic appliances or minor mouth injuries. Products include Orajel™ 3X Medicated For Gum Pain Gel and Orajel™ Toothache Rinse
- Canker Sores: Orajel can help alleviate the pain associated with canker sores, though it doesn’t treat the underlying cause. This include the Orajel™ 3X Medicated For All Mouth Sores Gel and Orajel™ For All Mouth Sores Antiseptic Rinse.
- Cold Sores: Some Orajel products are specifically formulated to provide relief from the discomfort of cold sores. Its flagship cold sore product is Orajel™ Moisturelock Cold Sore Symptom Treatment.
As suggested by users on the internet, you may apply a small volume of Orajel onto the extraction socket to relieve any pain caused by the surgery.
What Are the Cons of Using Orajel?
Using Orajel or similar topical analgesic gels on wisdom teeth can have several potential drawbacks. It is important that you consider the factors before using it. Here are some of the cons of using Oraljel to relieve pain after a wisdom teeth removal surgery.
- Temporary Relief: While Orajel can provide relief from the pain, it does not address the underlying issue causing the pain. Furthermore, it mask the symptoms that may be signs of something more serious, such as an infection.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to the active ingredients in Orajel products, such as benzocaine or lidocaine. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to severe systemic reactions.
- Risk of Infection: Applying Orajel to an open wound, such as the extraction site, may introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
- Delay in Healing: While Orajel can provide temporary pain relief, it does not promote the healing process. Wisdom tooth extraction sites need time to heal naturally, and excessive reliance on Orajel may give a false sense of comfort, potentially causing individuals to neglect proper post-operative care.
As seen, there are several concerns that must be considered if one is looking to get temporary relief from Orajel. It should be used with caution and as adviced by a professional dental professional. However, is Orajel actually recommended by dentists or oral surgeons to relieve pain caused by a tooth extraction?
Is Orajel Recommended by Dentists for Wisdom Tooth Relief?
Orajel is typically not recommended by dentist as the primary method for managing pain after a dental procedure such as a wisdom tooth extraction.
This is because the effect of Orajel is short-lived and not sufficient to manage the pain associated with a tooth extraction. Also, it does not address the underlying issue that causes the pain, be it an infection or a swollen gum. Last but not least, there are many more effective and longer-lasting pain management options such as pain medication and a numbing gel.
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That said, a dentist or oral surgeon might recommend Orajel or a similar product for short-term, mild pain relief, or if the patient prefers a non-prescription option for medicinal purposes. In all wisdom teeth surgeries, your dentist will provide you with clear post-operative care instructions that are personalised based on your current health conditions. These instructions should be followed closely to ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery process.
Closing Thoughts
The decision to use Orajel or similar topical analgesic gels after a wisdom tooth extraction is one that should be made with careful consideration and guidance by your dentist or oral surgeon. That said, it is not recommended by most dental professional as it is not the most effective or comprehensive approach in relieving pain due to a tooth extraction.
Always consult your dental provider on the best post-operative care. They will be able to provide a multi-pronged management strategy that includes professional guidance and the appropriate medication.
