Acupuncture is a well-known form of fast and effective pain relief for an array of different conditions. It often goes overlooked when it comes to postoperative pain, but acupuncture for postoperative dental pain really works and the results can be fast and long-lasting.
Oral surgery, like any type of surgery, can range from minor to major. A lot of dental surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means that you get to go home following the surgery. After the numbness from the anesthetic wears off, most people are left with some degree of pain with which they have to deal.
Postoperative dental surgery pain can also range from minor to major. Even routine, minor procedures can leave you with soreness and swelling. Major dental operations can cause a substantial amount of pain, extreme swelling, inflammation, and a prolonged recovery time. Any postoperative dental pain typically peaks on the third day following oral surgery. Severe pain can last up to 72 hours, and once it sets in, it is too late for pain medications to be very effective.
How Acupuncture Can Reduce Postoperative Dental Pain
Most people are encouraged to start taking pain medications upon returning home from their surgery even if they aren't experiencing any pain at that time. This is a preemptive strike against the pain. For minor surgery, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can sometimes get the job done. But for more major surgeries, patients are prescribed stronger prescription pain medications. Pain medication needs to be taken before the pain even begins if you hope to avoid the onset of more severe pain.
Dealing with postoperative dental pain often requires taking large amounts of medication in a desperate attempt to avoid pain. Unfortunately, this isn't always effective in preventing or stopping the pain. In addition, all pain medication has the potential to cause severe nausea, and prescription medications can become habit-forming.
If you are looking for an alternative to taking pain medications following oral surgery, you can turn to acupuncture for postoperative dental pain. The relief from acupuncture is fast, effective and long-lasting. It can also help reduce swelling and alleviate some of the
stress you will be feeling following your surgery.
Furthermore, sessions with an experienced acupuncturist can also help to reduce your recovery time following surgery. Acupuncture can help with the pain and other side-effects associated with all of the following types of dental surgery and more:
- removal of wisdom teeth
- dental implants
- bone grafting
- tooth extractions
- cosmetic dental surgeries
Treating Postoperative Dental Pain with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a very reliable form of pain relief. Many people use it for conditions such as low back pain and joint or muscle pain. But, it often goes overlooked when it comes to treating postoperative pain. Postoperative dental pain can be particularly severe, uncomfortable and inconvenient. Most people choose to get through it by using large quantities of potentially harmful pain medications when acupuncture is a viable alternative.
A postoperative dental pain acupuncturist can determine the type of acupuncture that will best suit your needs and your individual situation. The body's natural pain-relievers are much more effective than any medication available today. They work faster, last longer, and don't have any negative or harmful side-effects.
Acupuncture Dental Pain Treatments prompt the release of natural pain-relievers such as norepinephrine, enkephalin and endorphins. These substances can be up to 200 times more effective at dealing with pain than morphine.
Dental surgery is also associated with swelling at and around the surgical site. Like pain, the swelling tends to peak on the third day following the surgery. Luckily, the body is equipped with natural anti-inflammatory substances that acupuncture can help to promote. Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the surgical area. Your blood carries these anti-inflammatory substances along with oxygen to the site, promotes faster healing, and helps to ward off infection as well.
While acupuncture for postoperative pain works to improve your physical well-being, it is also working to improve your mental state and overall wellness. Acupuncture is a wonderful way to relieve stress, and any surgery will lead to some level of stress. Acupuncture stimulates the release of oxytocin, which is involved in the endocrine system. This can have extremely calming effects. It also promotes the production of substances such as serotonin, which work to improve your mood. Most patients leave their acupuncturist's office not only pain-free, but also feeling great in general.
Major and even minor dental surgery can leave you feeling sore. Regardless of the degree of pain you may experience, a postoperative dental pain acupuncturist can help. You can get pain relief without all of the side-effects of medications and it will also help to reduce any swelling at the surgical site. Acupuncture will also speed your recovery and serve to improve your overall well-being in the process.