Oral Pain

Common Sources of Oral Pain:

  • Tooth decay causing inflammation of the tooth nerve (pulpitis)
  • Tooth abscess
  • Infection causing facial swelling (cellulitis)
  • Sinus
  • Muscle
  • Ulcers or other types of pathological lesions

Pain and swelling related to infection from teeth or other sources can occur suddenly and progress rapidly. Early evaluation, antibiotics, and immediate treatment are the only ways to solve the problem. Until you can see the oral surgeon, following are some recommendations for managing your symptoms.

Pain Only:

If you have associated swelling, drainage, or difficulty opening the mouth:

  • Take 400-600 mg ibuprofen (2-3 tablets of Advil) or 500-1000 mg of Tylenol every four hours for pain.
  • If the pain becomes more severe, you may take Vicodin or Tylenol #3 prescribed by your dentist.
  • Call your dentist immediately for evaluation or referral to an oral surgeon.
  • Mild inflammation may resolve by simply brushing the area and keeping it clean.
  • Extractions should be done as soon as possible before a potential increase in pain and infection.
  • Anbesol or other topical anesthetics are NOT effective for relief of pain associated with wisdom teeth. DO NOT place aspirin over a tooth to relief pain. It will cause  burning irritation to your gums.

The use of antibiotics does not cure infection and pain. In fact,  repeated exposure to antibiotics can increase the risk of hypersensitivity or allergy and increase resistance to certain strains of bacteria. Removal of the tooth or definitive treatment of the source are the only viable treatments.

Pain and Swelling:

If you have associated with facial or gum tissue swelling with possible drainage of pus or difficulty opening the mouth:

  • Take 400-600 mg ibuprofen (2-3 tablets of Advil) or 500-1000 mg of Tylenol every four to six hours.
  • Call your dentist immediately for evaluation or referral to an oral surgeon.
  • Begin antibiotic therapy immediately. If you cannot see an oral surgeon right away, ask your dentist to prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
  • Extractions should be done as soon as possible, before infection spreads and involves other areas of face with potential life-threatening consequences.
  • It is not necessary to be on antibiotics for a few days before surgery, as your condition can worsen quickly. This approach is outdated and no longer recommended.
  • Do not apply ice. It does not improve swelling caused by infection.
  • Do not place a heat pack on the face as it can draw the pus from the infection towards the skin and cause scarring.