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In the realm of oral and maxillofacial surgery, professionals are tasked with addressing a wide range of conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, jaws, and facial structures. These procedures, ranging from wisdom tooth extractions to corrective jaw surgeries, require not only precision and expertise but also a comprehensive approach to pain management.
Effective pain management is crucial, as it not only ensures patient comfort but also aids in the recovery process, reducing the risk of complications. Advances in both surgical techniques and pain control methods have significantly improved patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach that combines state-of-the-art surgical interventions with tailored pain management plans. This synergy is pivotal in enhancing patient experiences, fostering quicker recoveries, and ultimately, achieving optimal surgical success.
Traditionally, opioid prescriptions have been common practice for managing post-surgery discomfort, with 70% of wisdom tooth removal patients being prescribed opioids for postsurgical pain. However, this approach is not without its risks. Troublesome side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and even the risk of dependency can have a negative impact on recovery, making it more difficult and uncomfortable. Opioids can also leave patients feeling drowsy or confused, which poses problems for children or young adults who may be eager to return to school and other daily activities.
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I encourage all patients to talk to their doctor before surgery to address any concerns – especially around the use of opioids. For my patients, I have implemented an opioid-sparing and multimodal approach to pain management. Put simply, this means my patients receive a variety of pain relief methods and medications in the smallest effective doses to minimize the need for opioids. This can include things like ice and heat, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or local anesthetics to ensure a smooth recovery.
A standout in my practice’s pain management toolkit is EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension), a long-acting non-opioid anesthetic designed to manage pain directly at the surgical site. To help parents better understand and explain what to expect with their child, we compare it to what a dentist may use for numbing during a tooth filling, but it lasts longer.
We began using EXPAREL in 2016 to provide effective pain control for the critical first days after surgery, when pain is often at its worst, and have seen positive results. In wisdom tooth removal surgeries, patients given EXPAREL reported less pain and required fewer opioids. This allowed patients to feel more comfortable in the days following surgery and focus on recovery goals such as drinking and eating regularly or consuming solid foods, while typically only requiring a combination of Tylenol and ibuprofen to manage pain at home.
Further, patients are taking notice and word is spreading quickly. Often, I will meet with new patients who tell me they chose our practice because a friend or neighbor shared their positive recovery experience with EXPAREL and are eager to learn more about pain management options that can minimize the need for opioids.
Understanding your pain management options is crucial for anyone preparing for surgery, whether that be wisdom tooth removal or other common procedures. I encourage patients to have an open dialogue with your surgeon about non-opioid options that can help reduce or, in some cases, eliminate the need for opioids; therefore, paving the way for an enhanced recovery experience. Knowing that options like EXPAREL exist can make a significant difference in helping to minimize risks and maximize recovery.
For more information, please visit www.EXPAREL.com/patient.
This article is sponsored by Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
*Dr. Coker is a consultant of Pacira BioSciences, Inc. This is based on Dr. Coker’s experiences. Individual patient experiences may vary.
Indication
EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) is indicated to produce postsurgical local analgesia via infiltration in patients aged 6 years and older and regional analgesia in adults via an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block, sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa, and an adductor canal block. Safety and efficacy have not been established in other nerve blocks.
Important Safety Information
EXPAREL should not be used in obstetrical paracervical block anesthesia.
In studies in adults where EXPAREL was injected into a wound, the most common side effects were nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
In studies in adults where EXPAREL was injected near a nerve, the most common side effects were nausea, fever, headache, and constipation.
In the study where EXPAREL was given to children, the most common side effects were nausea, vomiting, constipation, low blood pressure, low number of red blood cells, muscle twitching, blurred vision, itching, and rapid heartbeat.
EXPAREL can cause a temporary loss of feeling and/or loss of muscle movement. How much and how long the loss of feeling and/or muscle movement depends on where and how much of EXPAREL was injected and may last for up to 5 days.
EXPAREL is not recommended to be used in patients younger than 6 years old for injection into the wound, for patients younger than 18 years old for injection near a nerve, and/or in pregnant women.
Tell your health care provider if you or your child has liver disease, since this may affect how the active ingredient (bupivacaine) in EXPAREL is eliminated from the body.
EXPAREL should not be injected into the spine, joints, or veins.
The active ingredient in EXPAREL can affect the nervous system and the cardiovascular system; may cause an allergic reaction; may cause damage if injected into the joints; and can cause a rare blood disorder.
Full Prescribing Information is available at www.EXPAREL.com/patient.
For more information, please visit www.EXPAREL.com/patient or call 1-855-793-9727.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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