Steroids after oral surgery surprised me too the first time. About a year ago, I had a stubborn wisdom tooth taken out, and the oral surgeon handed me a Medrol dose pack before I even left the office. I wasn’t sure if it’d do much, but honestly, it was a game changer for swelling. Like you said—my face still ballooned up a bit, but nothing like the chipmunk look I’d had after previous extractions. I could actually open my mouth enough to eat something besides applesauce by day two.
Pain-wise, though, yeah... Tylenol and Advil were still my go-to for a few days. The steroids didn’t magically erase all discomfort. But what really struck me was how different each office handles things. My regular dentist is old school—lots of ice packs, maybe some antibiotics if things look rough. The oral surgeon seemed way more proactive with newer meds.
I’ve never been offered a nerve block either, and I wonder if it’s just not routine unless you specifically say you’re nervous or have a low pain threshold. Insurance probably does play into it—my friend got a nerve block for jaw surgery but had to pay extra out of pocket.
It’s wild how much these protocols vary. I wish there was more transparency about options before you’re in the chair and half-numb already. If I ever need another extraction (knock on wood), I’ll definitely ask about steroids upfront. Recovery was so much smoother, even if the pain meds still had to do some heavy lifting.
Funny how something as simple as a different prescription can make you rethink what “normal” recovery should feel like. Makes me wonder what else we’re missing out on just because it’s not standard everywhere...
I get why people like the steroids for swelling, but honestly, I’m a little wary. My oral surgeon offered them after my root tip surgery, but I passed. I’ve had some weird reactions to meds before, and just the word “steroid” makes me nervous about side effects. I stuck with ice packs and Advil, and yeah, my face puffed up for a couple days, but it went down eventually. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but sometimes the newer stuff feels like overkill unless you really need it. Anyone else feel like less is sometimes more?
I’m totally with you on the “less is more” thing, especially when it comes to stuff that can have a bunch of side effects. I had to pay out of pocket for most of my meds after my last oral surgery, so sticking to Advil and ice was a win for my wallet too. Sure, the swelling lasted a bit longer, but I’d rather deal with that than risk feeling weird from something stronger. Sometimes the old-school remedies are enough, especially if you’re trying to keep costs down.
You nailed it—sometimes ice packs and a couple Advil are all you need. I’m convinced half the “fancy” painkillers just make you feel groggy and weird anyway. Plus, your wallet thanks you. Swelling’s a pain, but at least you know what you’re getting into.
- Agree, simple works most of the time.
- Noticed some folks jump straight to prescription meds, but I’ve found OTC plus cold packs usually does the trick unless it’s really bad.
- The groggy feeling isn’t worth it for mild pain—especially if you need to get back to work or drive.
- Has anyone tried those new numbing gels or patches dentists talk about? Curious if they actually help with swelling or just dull surface pain.
