EXPAREL® is an opioid-free pain medication that lasts for 72 hours and can be used to provide relief following wisdom tooth extractions, dental implant surgery, and other procedures. Knoxville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, PC, offers EXPAREL in
the Knoxville, TN, area. Drs. Emery, Wooten, and Manuel believe that a focus on patient comfort improves the entire surgical experience, from feeling confident before a procedure to managing pain during recovery. Upon injection, the medication spreads through soft tissues, minimizing pain with natural lipids and a time-release technique for targeted and lasting pain relief. The expected duration of discomfort and swelling after implant placement, tooth extraction, or wisdom teeth extractions is approximately two to three days in most cases. Because EXPAREL continues to relieve pain for 72 hours following surgery, it may be the only analgesic you need during recovery. More than ever before, our dentists believe that an opioid-free pain medication is imperative for our patients.
Exparel can provide 72 hours of relief following oral surgery. We are the only practice in the area to offer this pain management solution. Reducing the Need for OpioidsStudies have shown that EXPAREL can eliminate or reduce the need for opioid-based drugs among patients. One study found that nearly 30 percent of patients who had undergone hemorrhoidectomy had no need for opioid-based drugs three days following surgery. Another study of patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery found that 10 percent of patients remained free of opioid-based drugs through days two and three following their surgery. We Are Committed to Your Health and SafetyIn our state, opioids claimed over 1100 lives in 2016. More than ever before, our dentists believe that offering an opioid-free pain medication is imperative. Because we are committed to protecting our patients’ health before, during, and after treatment, we offer EXPAREL after all oral surgeries. There is no risk of addiction or abuse with the drug, yet patients can remain comfortable after surgery. Regardless of whether you have experienced issues with opioid-based drugs in the past, EXPAREL can provide significant benefits. You can avoid these side effects by choosing EXPAREL instead of an opioid-based drug for pain relief after surgery:
During your consultation, we can verify that EXPAREL is a safe option for you. We will also take time to explain what to expect through every stage of treatment and answer all of your questions so that you can feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. Schedule Your Appointment TodayWhether you need oral surgery for tooth extraction, implant placement, or a jaw or facial procedure, the team at Knoxville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will provide excellent clinical care and service, along with cutting-edge technology. We are the only practice in the region to provide opioid-free EXPAREL for post-procedure pain relief. To schedule a consultation, please reach out to us online or call our office nearest you. OverviewWisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth — the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom. If a wisdom tooth doesn't have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection or other dental problems, you'll likely need to have it pulled. Wisdom tooth extraction may be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon. To prevent potential future problems, some dentists and oral surgeons recommend wisdom tooth extraction even if impacted teeth aren't currently causing problems. Why it's doneWisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop wisdom teeth. For others, wisdom teeth erupt normally — just as their other molars did — and cause no problems. Many people develop impacted wisdom teeth — teeth that don't have enough room to erupt into the mouth or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth may erupt only partially or not at all. An impacted wisdom tooth may:
Problems with impacted wisdom teethYou'll likely need your impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it results in problems such as:
Preventing future dental problemsDental specialists disagree about the value of extracting impacted wisdom teeth that aren't causing problems (asymptomatic). It's difficult to predict future problems with impacted wisdom teeth. However, here's the rationale for preventive extraction:
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protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. RisksMost wisdom tooth extractions don't result in long-term complications. However, removal of impacted wisdom teeth occasionally requires a surgical approach that involves making an incision in the gum tissue and removing bone. Rarely, complications can include:
How you prepareYour dentist may perform the procedure in the office. However, if your tooth is deeply impacted or if the extraction requires an in-depth surgical approach, your dentist may suggest you see an oral surgeon. In addition to making the area numb with local anesthetic, your surgeon may suggest sedation to allow you to be more comfortable during the procedure. Questions to askQuestions you may want to ask your dentist or oral surgeon include:
Preparing for surgeryA wisdom tooth extraction is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that you go home the same day. You'll receive instructions from the hospital or dental clinic staff on what to do before the surgery and the day of your scheduled surgery. Ask these questions:
What you can expectDuring the procedureYour dentist or oral surgeon may use one of three types of anesthesia, depending on the expected complexity of the wisdom tooth extraction and your comfort level. Options include:
During wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon:
After the procedureIf you receive sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, you're taken to a recovery room after the procedure. If you have local anesthesia, your brief recovery time is likely in the dental chair. As you heal from your surgery, follow your dentist's instructions on:
When to call your dentist or surgeonCall your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate an infection, nerve damage or other serious complication:
ResultsYou probably won't need a follow-up appointment after a wisdom tooth extraction if:
If complications develop, contact your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss treatment options. Jan. 31, 2018 |