DENTAL / TOOTH EXTRACTION

Nerve blocks

Dental surgery (tooth extraction) is generally associated with moderate post-operative pain. As such, I recommend a nerve block in addition to the general anaesthetic you receive, as it will provide:

  • Better pain control: you will not need any strong pain medicine.

  • Less side effects: you will have less risk of being itchy, nauseous, sleepy or having trouble going to the bathroom.

The nerve block is performed by either myself, or your dental surgeon while you are under general anaesthesia. As such, there is no discomfort associated with this. However, you will wake up with the lower part of your face numb and pain-free.

Your nerve block will last 6-18 hours.

 

Post-operative pain relief

Prior to your surgery, please ensure you have an ample supply of paracetamol and ibuprofen (or an equivalent anti-inflammatory). Used together, these are very effective in managing pain and inflammation associated with dental surgery.

I will request you to take these regularly for at least 3 days after your procedure.

  • Paracetamol is taken 4 times per day (approximately every 6 hours)

  • Ibuprofen or diclofenac is taken 3 times per day (approximately every 8 hours). I may sometimes request you not to take this if you have certain medical conditions.

I may provide a prescription for a stronger pain killer, in case this is required in addition to the paracetamol and ibuprofen.

In discussion with your surgeon, I will usually prescribe you with appropriate anti-septic mouthwash and antibiotics for your post-operative care.