I totally get what you mean about movement helping. After my root tip surgery, I tried to just veg out with Netflix at first, but honestly, I started feeling more restless and cranky. Once I felt up to it, even just pacing around the backyard made a difference. It was like my body needed to do something, even if it was slow. The days I forced myself to move a bit, my jaw didn’t throb as much and my head felt clearer. Maybe it’s just a mental thing, but it helped me not focus so much on the pain.
Movement definitely helped me too, but I gotta admit, I was a little paranoid about overdoing it and messing up my stitches. Did you find any cheap ways to stay distracted early on? I tried streaming shows, but after a while, it just made me focus on my jaw more (and my wallet, with all those subscription fees). Ice packs were my go-to, but I was curious—did you try any of those OTC numbing gels? Wondering if they’re worth the few bucks or just a gimmick.
Honestly, I tried one of those numbing gels out of desperation—felt like a cold tingle, but didn’t really do much for actual pain. The packaging was more exciting than the effect. Ice packs were way more useful for me, even if they made me look like a chipmunk.
That’s a pretty common experience with those gels—they’re really hit or miss, especially after something like root tip surgery. I’ve seen a lot of folks get more relief from simple ice packs too, even if it means dealing with the chipmunk cheeks for a bit. It’s frustrating when the stuff that looks promising just doesn’t deliver, but you’re definitely not alone there.
- Totally get where you're coming from with the gels. I tried one after my extraction and honestly, it felt like it made my mouth feel weirdly sticky but didn’t really help much with the pain.
- Ice packs were way more effective for me, even if I looked like a pufferfish for a couple days. The swelling went down faster than I expected, though, which was a nice bonus.
- One thing that helped me was propping my head up at night. Sounds basic, but it kept the throbbing to a minimum.
- My dentist suggested alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen (as long as your stomach can handle it). That combo helped more than any topical stuff.
- I did try one of those herbal mouth rinses—maybe placebo, but it felt soothing for a bit. Not a miracle worker, but took the edge off.
- Honestly, I was a bit let down by how little the “special” products did. Sometimes the old-school stuff just works better, even if it’s not glamorous.
- One thing I wish I’d known: don’t use a straw. I learned that the hard way... hello dry socket. Not fun.
- If you’re still struggling, maybe ask your dentist if there’s a prescription rinse or something stronger? Mine gave me a magic mouthwash that was like a numbing potion for a couple hours.
It’s kind of wild how everyone’s mouth reacts differently. Feels like trial and error, but you’re not alone in the frustration. For me, less was more—ice, rest, and patience.
