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Managing pain after oral surgery is essential for a smooth, stress free recovery. Traditionally, opioids have been the go-to solution for managing pain after surgery, but with the growing risks of addiction, more patients and surgeons are looking for alternatives.
At Foley & Le Oral Surgeons, we are proud to offer Exparel, a long acting, non opioid anesthetic that can help you feel more comfortable without relying on narcotics.
Table of Contents
- What Is Exparel?
- Using Exparel for Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Exparel Pros and Cons
- Why We Recommend Exparel at Foley & Le
Exparel is a long acting local anesthetic used during oral surgery to manage pain after the procedure. It provides up to 72 hours of relief, reducing or even eliminating the need for opioids.
What Is Exparel?
Exparel (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) is a non-opioid medication designed to provide prolonged pain relief after a surgical procedure.
Exparel is injected directly into the surgical site during the procedure. From there, it gradually releases its numbing medication over time, providing extended pain relief for up to 72 hours.
How Does Exparel Work?
Unlike standard local anesthetics that wear off in just a few hours, Exparel uses a unique time release formula. It slowly delivers medication to the area, providing continuous pain control through the most difficult part of recovery, those first two to three days after surgery.
Using Exparel for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common oral surgeries, and it is also one where post operative pain can be significant, especially in the first 72 hours.
Exparel is often used during wisdom teeth removal to help minimize discomfort and reduce or eliminate the need for opioid pain medications during recovery.
Because it is administered during surgery, you will not need to remember to take additional medication afterward. Many patients find that Exparel helps them stay comfortable using only over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen once the numbing effect starts to wear off.
This approach is especially beneficial for teens and young adults, two groups at higher risk for future opioid misuse following surgical exposure. By offering a non-opioid alternative, Exparel supports safer recoveries without sacrificing comfort.
Exparel Pros and Cons
Like any medication, Exparel has pros and cons that are important to consider. Knowing what to expect can help you make a more informed decision about your recovery.
Pros:
- Long lasting relief: up to 72 hours of pain control
- Reduces or eliminates opioids: lowers the risk of dependency and related side effects
- Convenient: a one time injection during surgery, no extra steps required
Cons:
- Cost: There is an additional charge for Exparel and this cost is not always covered by insurance.
- Not ideal for every case: some patients may not be candidates depending on their health or surgical plan
- We will discuss the pros and cons with you before your procedure that you can make an informed decision about your care.
Exparel Side Effects
Most patients tolerate Exparel well. Still, like any medication, side effects are possible. These may include:
- blurred vision
- chills
- confusion
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- fever
- sweating
We carefully review your health history and tailor your pain management plan to reduce these risks.
Why We Recommend Exparel at Foley & Le
We are committed to providing excellent surgical care, and that includes helping you recover safely and comfortably. The opioid epidemic has raised real concerns about prescription painkillers, especially for young patients. Consider this:
- 70 percent of patients are prescribed opioids after wisdom tooth removal
- 1 in 3 young adults who take opioids after surgery are at increased risk of future misuse
- 100 million unused opioid pills are left in medicine cabinets each year, where they can be misused by others, accidentally ingested, or diverted for nonmedical use
Source: Exparel
Using Exparel allows us to offer strong pain relief while helping protect patients from the potential risks of opioid use.
