Teeth extractions due to decay or damaged teeth, wisdom teeth, or other causes are something that most people will go through at different stages in their lives, but post-extraction care is very important for quick and easy healing. Pain management is also part of the healing process. Many people dealing with severe pain after any dental treatment, use ibuprofen for pain relief, but dental experts recommend avoiding this drug after tooth extraction because it may cause issues with blood clotting affecting the healing process.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why no ibuprofen after tooth extraction and the reasons behind this advice to find other more secure ways to treat pain.
Why You Should Avoid Ibuprofen After Tooth Extraction
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that suppresses certain chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation and pain. It can be helpful in many cases of managing pain, but in the case of tooth extraction, it can affect the normal healing process. Here are some reasons why dentists advise their patients to avoid Ibuprofen after a tooth extraction.
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Risk of Heavy Bleeding
One of the biggest risks of using ibuprofen after tooth extraction is the blood thinning of the patients. The formation of a blood clot at the extraction site is the most important thing after the extraction of a tooth. The clot covers the exposed tissues and bones to protect them from bacterial infections.
It also reduces the risks of post-surgery dry sockets where the clot is dislodged or dissolves before the bone graft site heals. Ibuprofen inhibits the function of platelets, which is blood coagulation, increasing the risk of heavy bleeding from the wounded area.
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Rate of Recovery
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps to get rid of the pain but also slows down the healing process. Inflammation is a natural process in the body as it protects the wounded area of the body by fighting against harmful bacteria and removing dead tissue.
Ibuprofen weakens the immune system as it reduces inflammation, which can lead to prolonging the whole immune response or recovery period and increasing the chance of infection.
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Risk of Gastrointestinal Disease
Ibuprofen may lead to several gastrointestinal issues when taken on an empty stomach. The GIT issues may involve a simple irritation like heartburn or something severe like ulcers or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients already suffer from a loss of appetite and dietary restrictions after tooth extraction, which doubles the probability of these effects.
What’s the Right Time to Take Ibuprofen After Having a Tooth Extracted?
The recommended time for taking ibuprofen after tooth extraction depends on the patient’s particular dental issue and the healing ability of the patient. In normal cases, it is safe to take ibuprofen as a pain reliever for at least 24-48 hours after tooth extraction.
During this time the blood clot forms and stabilizes in your mouth over the extraction site, minimizing the risk of dry sockets. However, it is important to follow the instructions that your dentist advises you because there may be some other issues and concerns related to your oral health situation.
Alternatives to Ibuprofen for Pain Relief After Tooth Extraction
People have different dental complications and specific needs. That’s the reason most dentists suggest not using ibuprofen as a pain reliever, as it can be dangerous for one’s overall health. But there are also some other alternative medications to treat severe pain after tooth extraction, which include:
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Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Many dental experts suggest the use of acetaminophen over other NSAIDs like Naproxen or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen doesn’t have the same blood-thinning effects as NSAIDs. Paracetamol is an effective painkiller that has minimal influence over clotting or the gastrointestinal system. However it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage; otherwise, the liver might be affected.
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Prescribed Pain-killers
Sometimes, dentists prescribe stronger pain-controlling drugs due to particular dental problems, specifically opioids, for the shortest duration. These are some of the most effective medications that are used for treating severe pain. However, such pain relief medicines also have their own risks and side effects. So, it is important to use them when your dentist prescribes them to you for a limited period as required.
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Home Remedies for Pain Management
Some people aren’t very drug-friendly and prefer natural methods for pain relief. There are also some effective natural remedies to manage pain at home.
- Salt Water Rinse: Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after tooth extraction can be very helpful. It is a natural pain and swelling-reducing agent that kills harmful bacteria, helps you to minimize tooth pain, and gives better relief.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outer side of the cheek on the affected side also helps relieve tooth extraction pain, inflammation, and swelling. It will numb the specific area and give temporary relief, and you will feel better.
- Clove Oil: It is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, a natural anesthetic. It also helps to numb the affected area for some time and gives temporary relief. Simply mix a few drops of clove oil in olive or coconut oil and apply to the affected side for a few minutes for better relief.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint tea are highly effective natural ingredients that have mild numbing properties to alleviate tooth pain. Consuming these herbal teas at a lukewarm temperature can also be very helpful for temporary relief.
These techniques are safe to utilize at home but can’t address severe toothache. If you feel unbearable tooth pain, you better consult a dentist.
Want A Smooth Recovery After Tooth Extraction? Contact Us Now!
Your health should be your first priority, and oral care plays an important part in it. Taking the right dental treatment and aftercare medications is the best choice for a healthy life.
Celebrate Dental is your trusted dental care expert, helping you to get rid of all your oral health issues. If you are suffering from any dental illness or unbearable tooth pain, we are always here to hear you.
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