I get the appeal of frozen peas—cheap, easy, and they really do fit around your jaw way better than those stiff gel packs. But have you ever worried about the bag leaking or picking up weird freezer smells? I tell patients to double-bag them just in case, but maybe I’m just a little paranoid about bacteria. Do you ever swap them out for a fresh bag after a few uses, or just keep reusing the same one?
I’ve seen some folks try those fancy reusable gel masks, and honestly, I’m not convinced they’re worth the extra money either. The only real benefit I’ve noticed is that they might stay cold a bit longer, but you can just swap out peas if you need to. Did your surgeon recommend anything specific, or just say “ice it and rest”? I always wonder if there’s something better I’m missing, but frozen veggies seem to win every time.
I tell patients to double-bag them just in case, but maybe I’m just a little paranoid about bacteria.
You’re not being paranoid at all—freezer funk is real. I always double-bag and swap out the peas after a couple uses. Honestly, nothing else molds to your face quite the same. Those gel packs just feel awkward and stiff to me. I’d say stick with what works, as long as you’re keeping things clean.
I’m with you—frozen peas are the MVP for post-surgery swelling. I tried those fancy gel packs once, but they just didn’t sit right. As long as you’re swapping out the bags and not letting them get gross, I say keep rocking the peas.
As long as you’re swapping out the bags and not letting them get gross, I say keep rocking the peas.
Frozen peas definitely win for comfort, but I’ll admit I once tried to get fancy and used a bag of frozen edamame—huge mistake. The bag burst open mid-nap, and I woke up covered in little green beans. Peas are just the right size, and they mold perfectly to your jawline.
That said, has anyone here messed around with those newer reusable clay ice packs? I keep seeing ads for them, and they claim to stay cold longer and fit better. I’m skeptical, though. After my last root tip surgery, I stuck with the classics, but maybe I’m missing out?
Also, curious if anyone’s dentist recommended any of those numbing gels for after the anesthesia wears off. Mine just said Tylenol and ice, but I’ve read mixed things about topical stuff. Would love to know if anyone actually found relief with that—or if it just tastes weird and does nothing.
We tried the clay ice packs after my kid’s wisdom teeth came out, and honestly, I was underwhelmed. They did stay cold a bit longer, but they were kind of stiff and didn’t really hug the jaw like peas do. Plus, my kid complained about the weird texture against her skin. We ended up back with the classic peas—way more comfortable and easier to swap out.
As for numbing gels, our dentist said to skip them for anything deeper than a canker sore. My daughter hated the taste anyway and said it barely helped. Tylenol plus ice seemed to do the trick, but everyone’s different...
