Funny you mention the clay packs—I tried those after my root tip surgery and had the same issue. They felt like strapping a cold brick to my jaw. I ended up using a bag of frozen corn because it molds better, though it does smell a bit if you forget to put it back in the freezer... As for numbing gels, I totally agree, they taste awful and barely take the edge off. Tylenol plus ice was my go-to, but I still wonder if there’s something better for that deep, throbbing pain. Anyone ever try those lidocaine patches? I’ve seen them at the pharmacy but haven’t worked up the nerve to test one on my face yet.
Clay packs are the worst. I don’t care how “therapeutic” they’re supposed to be—if it feels like I’m balancing a cinder block on my face, I’m out. I did the frozen peas thing after my wisdom teeth came out, but yeah, if you forget and leave them sitting out, the whole kitchen smells like a science experiment gone wrong. At least they fit my jaw better than those rock-solid gel packs.
Numbing gels are almost a joke. It’s like they numb your tongue more than anything else, and the taste… I’d rather just deal with the pain half the time. Tylenol did more for me too, but I never felt like it really got rid of that deep ache. Sometimes I’d wake up in the middle of the night with my jaw throbbing and just sort of stare at the ceiling, wishing for a magic fix.
About those lidocaine patches—honestly, I’ve stared at them in the pharmacy more times than I can count. I even asked the pharmacist once if it was safe to slap one on my cheek, and he just kind of shrugged. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. My worry is they’re meant for your back or shoulder, not your face, and I’ve got sensitive skin. Last thing I need is a chemical burn on top of everything else. Has anyone actually tried it on their jaw? Not sure I want to be the guinea pig.
One thing that sorta helped me was alternating ice packs and warm compresses. The dentist said it helps with swelling, and it actually felt decent for about ten minutes at a time. Nothing lasts forever though—pain always comes back around.
If someone invents a jaw-shaped heating/cooling pack that doesn’t smell or make you look like a cartoon character, I’ll be first in line. Until then, I guess it’s just Tylenol and my trusty bag of peas...
Lidocaine patches on the jaw definitely aren’t standard. They’re designed for larger, less sensitive areas, and facial skin is thinner and more prone to irritation. I’ve seen people try cutting them into smaller pieces, but even then, there’s a risk of redness or even a mild burn—especially if you’ve got sensitive skin. I wouldn’t recommend it unless your dentist or doctor specifically says it’s okay.
Alternating cold and warm compresses is still one of the most effective ways to manage post-surgical jaw pain and swelling, even if it’s just for short bursts. Tylenol and ibuprofen together (if you can tolerate both) can sometimes help more than Tylenol alone, since they work differently on pain and inflammation. That said, nothing really gets rid of that deep ache entirely, especially at night.
Totally agree about the jaw-shaped packs. It’s surprising nobody’s come up with something that actually fits well and doesn’t make you look ridiculous. Until then, it’s all about finding what’s least annoying and just getting through those first few days.
I’ve wondered about the lidocaine patch thing too. I actually tried cutting one up after my last surgery, but even with a barrier cream, it made my skin super red and itchy—definitely not worth it. Cold packs help, but honestly, the shape is always off and they never stay put unless you’re lying perfectly still. I do think alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen works better than just one or the other, though. My oral surgeon said to stagger them for more consistent coverage, which seemed to help at night when that deep ache kicks in. Still searching for something less annoying than holding a bag of frozen peas to my face...
The lidocaine patch thing sounded so promising, but my skin went full drama queen mode too—red, itchy, and just not worth the hassle. I totally get what you mean about the cold packs sliding around. I tried using a stretchy headband to keep one in place, but then I looked like I was prepping for a marathon, not recovering from surgery. Alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen definitely seemed to help me as well, especially with that dull throbbing late at night. If anyone figures out a way to keep an ice pack on your face without holding it, I’m all ears...
