Exparel injection with wisdom teeth removal
Update: DS opted for the Exparel and has been really pleased with the results. Literally zero pain at all post surgery. He was told to still take ibuprofen for inflammation, but he had to set reminder alarms as he didn’t feel any pain to remember.
He says it was not numbing like novacaine at all, he had all normal mouth sensations but just no pain or discomfort at all. We all agree it was worth it, even DH! I would do it again with DD if offered when it is her turn.
DS (19) is scheduled to have his wisdom teeth out in early December. The oral surgeon is giving us a choice of opioid pain relief prescription post surgery or Exparel injections during the procedure. The injections are new to me, never heard of that before. Paperwork given to us makes it look promising for pain relief lasting several days without further “big” drugs (just ibuprofen if needed) but it isn’t covered by insurance. It’s not a terrible expense, several hundred dollars, but DH is acting like an old man on this one - he isn’t sure he wants to pay extra for some new-fangled thing that he didn’t need when he had his wisdom teeth out 30 years ago...
I’m wondering if he also walked barefoot uphill in the snow both ways to his appointment back then, but instead of asking him if that were true I’m asking all of you if anyone has had experience with Exparel injections with oral surgery for yourself or a kid. Was it helpful? Did it really make pain meds unnecessary? Worth the expense?
Knowing DS is pretty reluctant to take any meds at all, I’m inclined to try the Exparel. I like the idea of less exposure to opioids, too. Two of the teeth are going to be pretty tough to get to, so I’m imagining some tough days afterward without either. I remember being up with him in the night after his appendectomy and I know I would have paid anything to make him feel better then!
Last edited by Thatchermom; 12-17-2020 at 02:36 AM.
Susan
Thatcher Bennett 9/01
Ava Grace 9/07