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Managing discomfort after oral surgery is an important part of the recovery process. At Davary & Smith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, patients benefit from modern pain management techniques designed to control post-surgical discomfort while minimizing reliance on opioid medications. Dr. Ashkan Davary, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), and Dr. Christopher Smith provide advanced surgical care supported by modern anesthesia and pain-control strategies for patients throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.
As dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons trained in both medicine and dentistry, Dr. Davary and Dr. Smith incorporate evidence-based pain management approaches into every surgical treatment plan. Because every procedure is different, post-operative pain management strategies are carefully tailored based on the type of surgery being performed, the patient’s medical history, and the expected recovery process.
One option used in many oral surgery procedures is EXPAREL®, a long-acting local anesthetic that can provide targeted pain relief directly at the surgical site. This medication is administered during surgery and slowly releases anesthetic medication over time, helping control discomfort during the critical first days of recovery.
EXPAREL® may provide pain relief for up to 72 hours following surgery, reducing the need for additional prescription pain medication. By delivering anesthetic directly to the surgical area, the medication works locally while minimizing the systemic side effects sometimes associated with traditional pain medications.
Across medicine and dentistry, there has been a growing emphasis on reducing unnecessary opioid prescriptions when effective alternatives are available. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons increasingly rely on long-acting anesthetics and multimodal pain control strategies to improve patient comfort while limiting exposure to opioid medications.
Non-opioid pain management strategies may be used for procedures such as:
Using advanced anesthesia techniques and long-acting local anesthetics can help many patients recover comfortably with fewer prescription medications.
Every oral surgery procedure is unique, and pain management plans are customized accordingly. During your consultation, Dr. Davary and Dr. Smith will review your treatment plan and discuss the most appropriate options based on:
By combining advanced anesthesia techniques with modern non-opioid medications, the goal is to provide safe and comfortable recovery for patients undergoing oral surgery.
Is oral surgery possible without opioid pain medication?
Yes. Many oral surgery procedures can be managed with non-opioid pain control strategies, including long-acting local anesthetics and other medications designed to control discomfort during recovery.
How long does EXPAREL® provide pain relief?
EXPAREL® is a long-acting local anesthetic that may provide pain relief for up to 72 hours following surgery by slowly releasing medication at the surgical site.
Will I still receive anesthesia during my procedure?
Yes. Local anesthesia and sedation options are used during oral surgery to ensure comfort during the procedure itself, while post-operative pain management focuses on supporting recovery afterward.
Is non-opioid pain management appropriate for every patient?
Pain management plans are customized for each patient. During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history and procedure details to determine the most appropriate strategy for your recovery.
If you are planning an oral surgery procedure and would like to learn more about non-opioid pain management options, the team at Davary & Smith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can help guide you through the available choices.
Patients throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia trust our surgeons for advanced oral surgery care delivered in a modern, patient-focused surgical environment. During your consultation, we will review your treatment plan and discuss the most effective strategies to help you recover comfortably.