Tried one of those numbing gels after my last root tip surgery—my orthodontist handed me a sample and said it might help with the “annoying” pain, not the deep ache. I was honestly skeptical, but figured anything was worth a shot if it meant avoiding more ibuprofen.
Here’s what happened: it definitely dulled the surface pain for a bit, like when you get that weird numb feeling after they use topical stuff before an injection. But for the swelling? Didn’t notice much difference. The area still puffed up and throbbed underneath. It helped with eating though, since I wasn’t as sensitive to hot or cold stuff right on the gumline. Only lasted maybe 30-40 minutes before I felt everything creeping back.
I’m with you on the groggy meds—tried prescription painkillers once after a wisdom tooth extraction and hated how out of it I felt. OTC plus ice packs seem to work best for me too, unless things get really rough.
One thing I did notice: if you use those gels too often, your mouth gets kind of dry and weirdly tingly. Not painful, just... odd. Wouldn’t rely on them alone for anything beyond minor discomfort.
Curious if anyone’s dentist actually recommended the patches? Mine only mentioned gels, but I saw something about patches online. Wondering if they stick better or last longer than the gel does.
Overall, I’d say gels are okay for quick relief—like if you need to get through a meal or a meeting—but they’re not magic for swelling or deeper pain. Still looking for something that takes down the puffiness without making me feel like a zombie at work.
Overall, I’d say gels are okay for quick relief—like if you need to get through a meal or a meeting—but they’re not magic for swelling or deeper pain.
That’s been my experience too. I get super anxious after dental surgeries, so I’m always hoping for something that’ll just make it all go away, but the gel only ever helps on the surface. The dry mouth thing is real—almost feels like my tongue’s coated in plastic. Haven’t tried patches, but honestly, I’d be nervous about something sticking in my mouth for hours. Ice packs and OTC meds are still my go-to when things flare up. You’re definitely not alone in wanting better options that don’t knock you out... if only those existed!
I totally get that plastic-y tongue feeling—honestly, sometimes the gel just makes my mouth feel weirder, not better. I tried a patch once after my apicoectomy and it kept sliding around, which stressed me out more than the pain did. Ice packs and Tylenol have been way more helpful for me too, even if it’s not instant relief. I wish there was something that actually worked for the deep ache without making me groggy... maybe someday.
Weirdly, I actually found the gel more helpful than Tylenol, but maybe that’s just me. The patch sliding around was super annoying though—I tried taping it once, which was a mess. I’ve read about those TENS units for dental pain, but haven’t tried one yet... Wonder if that’d help with the deep ache without the brain fog.
I’ve read about those TENS units for dental pain, but haven’t tried one yet... Wonder if that’d help with the deep ache without the brain fog.
I’ve been curious about TENS too, but honestly a little nervous to try it near my jaw. Has anyone here actually used one for mouth pain? I’m super sensitive to medication side effects, so “brain fog” is a big concern for me as well. Did the gel sting at all, or was it just soothing? I’m worried about making things worse...
