No one wants to be in pain, especially if your mouth hurts. When your mouth hurts, it can make your head, jaws, and even your neck hurt. Dental pain is one reason people have fears of going to the dentist. If you are going to have a dental procedure, here are some tips for managing your dental pain.
Before the Procedure
If you are worried about dental pain, you need to discuss it with our dental practitioners ahead of time. Some procedures, such as a filling, usually cause mild pain afterward, while other procedures, such as a root canal, may be more painful. Pain is also specific to each person. By discussing your level of pain tolerance and your concerns with our dentist, you can be prepared and get any questions answered.
Ice Is Your Friend
One of the most basic things you can do after a dental procedure to help your mouth heal and ease pain is to use ice. Most dentists recommend you apply ice as soon as possible after a dental procedure, using an ice bag along your jawline. Ice reduces pain and inflammation. You can use ice to help fight pain for several days, depending on what type of procedure you have.
Pain Relievers
Often, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to help with minor pain. Ask our dentist which pain relievers they would recommend, but in general, you would want a pain reliever to control both pain and inflammation that causes pain.
When To Call the Dentist
If you are in pain after a procedure, when is a good time to give our dental practitioners a call? First, if your pain increases rather than decreases over time, you need to call our office. This increase in pain might be signaling an infection. Second, if you begin to run a fever and you are continuing to have pain, contact the office. Also, if you notice additional swelling or bleeding after the procedure, you may need to call us. All of these symptoms could be a sign of a problem. It is always a good idea to call our dental office if you have any questions, either before or after your procedure.
San Francisco Dental Arts, 220 Montgomery St Ste. 825, San Francisco, CA 94104, 415-854-9396, thesfdentist.com, 12/6/2024, Page Phrases: dentist San Francisco CA,