Can I Use Anbesol After Tooth Extraction?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blog will address the question,” can I use anbesol after tooth extraction?” and cover topics like what anbesol is, when to use anbesol, warning against the oral use of anbesol, about tooth extraction, when do you need an extraction, things to consider before and after extraction and risks involved in tooth extraction.
Can I Use Anbesol After Tooth Extraction?
No, you should not be using anbesol after tooth extraction. In fact, you should not be using any medication which is not prescribed by your dentist.
Using anbesol after tooth extraction without the prescription of your dentist may lead to an overdose and cause fatal symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeats, confusion and headache.
Hence, it is advised to consult your dentist before using anbesol after tooth extraction.
What Is Anbesol?
Anbesol is the brand name of benzocaine, a type of topical anaesthetic, applied locally on the skin or inside mouth surfaces.
Benzocaine is marketed and sold under several brand names such as anbesol, orajel, orabase, hurricaine, and topex.
Anbesol is applied on the skin or inside mouth surfaces to numb the pain area by blocking the signals to the brain from the nerve endings.
When Should I Use Anbesol Gel?
Anbesol Gel should only be used as per doctors or dentists’ prescription. It is recommended that you use anbesol gel as advised by your doctor or dentist.
However, anbesol is often used to get temporary relief from pain of:
- Sore throat
- Oral ulcers
- Gum injury
- Mouth injury
- Fever blisters on skin
Anbesol must be applied in very little amount to the pain area of skin or mouth to avoid the symptoms of an overdose. It is suggested to avoid application of anbesol to large skin areas or deep wounds.
Is There Any Warning Against The Oral Use Of Anbesol?
Yes! Oral use of anbesol may dangerously lower the body oxygen levels and lead to a fatal condition called methemoglobinemia.
Anbesol should not be used in children below two years of age.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction or dental extraction is a term used for the removal of a tooth from the oral cavity.
Your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction when all the other ways of saving a tooth have failed or can’t be applied.
When Do You Need A Tooth Extraction?
You may need a tooth extraction when:
- Your tooth is infected, damaged, and cannot be saved by any means like root canal treatment
- Space is needed for teeth alignment during an orthodontic treatment
- Your tooth is mobile and almost out-of the socket
- Your dentist finds that removal of tooth is necessary to prevent the spread of infection or to prevent any complication
Before Tooth Extraction: Things To Consider
Once your dentist suggests a tooth extraction, give a complete history of :
- Your present illness (if any)
- Medicines that you are taking or had taken in the past
- History of your past illness such as any surgeries you had or any major illness
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or alcohol drinking habits
After tooth extraction, you may need someone to take you home safely. Hence, you need to plan accordingly.
How Much Time Does A Tooth Extraction Take?
A tooth extraction may take a few minutes to hours depending on the type of tooth to be extracted and the level of integration between the tooth root and the jaw bone (alveolar bone).
Molar tooth extraction and extraction of wisdom teeth may take longer than the extraction of front teeth. Similarly, mobile tooth can be extracted in a few minutes while the extraction of tooth whose roots are fixed to the alveolar bone may take a longer time.
What Happens During A Tooth Extraction?
During a tooth extraction:
- You will be asked to lie down on a dental chair
- The position of the dental chair will be adjusted as per the dentist’s convenience
- Local anaesthetic (numbing agent) will be injected in the dental nerves depending on the tooth to be extracted
- Once the surrounding area of the tooth to be extracted is numb, your dentist will start the procedure
- Using specific dental tools, your tooth will be extracted
- Incision may be required in specific cases or in case of impacted tooth (tooth that is not visible in the oral cavity and is hidden beneath the gums)
- Once the tooth is removed from its socket (position where tooth was fixed), the socket is cleaned and irrigated
- If incision was used, stitches will be given
- Finally, cotton gauze with betadine is inserted into the socket
- You will be asked to close the mouth tightly to keep the gauze in its place for 45-60 minutes
After Tooth Extraction: Things To Consider
After the tooth is removed from its socket, consider the following:
- Bite down with pressure to hold the gauze tightly in its place for 45-60 minutes
- After 45-60 minutes, throw the gauze in a safe place
- You will be asked to drink something cold to prevent swelling
- Take painkiller and antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist
- Once you feel ok, have someone with you to go home
- If your tooth extraction was carried out on general anaesthesia or sedative, it is advised not to drive for 24 hours
Are There Any Risks Involved With Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a safe procedure done routinely by your dentist or oral surgeon. However, some risks associated with tooth extraction can be:
- Bleeding
- Dry socket (painful condition where a clot is not formed in the extracted tooth socket and underlying nerves and bones are exposed)
- Infection
- Incomplete removal of the tooth root
- Injury of the jaw bone (most common with wisdom tooth extraction)
- Temporary or permanent damage of the nerve causing numbness in the lips and surrounding area
- Injury to the adjoining area if tools are improperly handled
Conclusion
This blog addressed the question,”can I use anbesol after tooth extraction?” and covered topics like what anbesol is, when to use anbesol, warning against the oral use of anbesol, about tooth extraction, when do you need an extraction, things to consider before and after extraction and risks involved in tooth extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Use Anbesol After Tooth Extraction?
What is the best pain relief after tooth extraction?
Best pain relief after tooth extraction is ibuprofen. You must take the painkiller prescribed by your dentist as per recommended dose to get quick relief.
Can I put anbesol on a dry socket?
Yes, you may put a few drops of anbesol on the dry socket formed at the extraction site to get temporary relief from pain. Take precaution to not swallow the anbesol as it may cause overdose.
To get permanent relief from the pain of dry socket, immediately visit your dentist.
Can I smoke after tooth extraction?
No, you should not smoke after a tooth extraction. It is suggested to abstain from smoking for at least 48 hours after tooth extraction. Smoking may interfere with clot formation at the extraction site leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
How long should I use salt water after tooth extraction?
You must use salt water after tooth extraction for at least a week to heal the extracted area quickly. Salt water is an excellent antibacterial solution to use to heal your extracted area.
Should I still have pain 5 days after tooth extraction?
Pain after tooth extraction is normal and temporary. It must go away within a week. If it still continues after seven days, consult your dentist immediately.
Severe, intense pain that starts suddenly after 3-5 days of tooth extraction might be due to dry socket and hence consult your dentist immediately if you notice something similar.
Why do I feel fatigued after tooth extraction?
It is normal to feel fatigued after tooth extraction because the body uses a lot of energy to heal itself.
Why do I have a hot cheek after tooth extraction?
Having hot cheeks after tooth extraction is normal and temporary. It is due to the inflammatory reaction that occurs after tooth extraction. It may wear off after 3-5 days of tooth extraction.
How to get food out of the tooth extraction site?
To get food out of the tooth extraction site, rinse your mouth with a glass of salt water. It may help gush out the stuck food. Make sure you do not rinse or swirl with too much force as it may break the clot of the extraction site and lead to dry socket.
Is it normal to have diarrhoea after tooth extraction?
Yes, diarrhoea after tooth extraction is normal. Acute diarrhoea may go away in a few days while chronic diarrhoea may persist. It is due to the medications used during and after surgery and also a normal reaction to surgery.
It is recommended to be on a liquid diet for at least one day and then shift to more solid foods.
Can I eat pasta after tooth extraction?
Yes, you can eat pasta after tooth extraction but make sure it is properly cooked, boiled and is not sticky. Avoid any tomato sauce with the pasta as it may hurt the extraction site being too acidic.
Is yellow pus after tooth extraction normal?
No, yellow pus after tooth extraction is not normal and indicates infection. Immediately visit your dentist as it may be a sign of a dry socket.
What is the hard lump on jaw after tooth extraction?
Hard lump on jaw or between your jaw and cheek is nothing but a swollen lymph node to fight infection. It may automatically subside after a week or two of the tooth extraction. It is formed most commonly after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Is swimming after tooth extraction safe?
You must avoid swimming after tooth extraction as it increases your blood pressure, exerting extra pressure on the operated area, The extra pressure may cause the clot to break and bleed. It may further worsen to dry socket resulting in severe pain and discomfort.
Why is my tooth extraction site white and black?
Your tooth extraction site appears white and black due to formation of granulation tissue as part of the normal healing process. After one day of extraction, the clot forms at the extraction site followed by formation of black and white appearing granulation tissue that covers the wound.
The black and white should not cause any discomfort or pain. If it does, then it might not be a granulation tissue but a dry socket and in that case, you must immediately visit your dentist.
Why do I feel dizzy after wisdom tooth extraction?
Dizziness after wisdom tooth extraction is not common. It may be temporary and hence should not worry you. It may occur because of an empty stomach before surgery. It is recommended to have food at least one hour before tooth extraction.
To avoid feeling light headed and dizzy, wait and be seated on the dental chair for a few minutes and then get up slowly.
Why do I feel pain 6 months after wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction may take almost 6 months to heal completely and thus you may feel slight pain and pressure at the extraction site even after 6 months of extraction. It is normal but still it is recommended to visit your dentist and get a complete oral examination done.
Other FAQs about Tooth Extraction that you may be interested in.
Why Am I Feeling Fatigued After Tooth Extraction?
Why Do I Have A Hot Cheek After Tooth Extraction?
How To Get Food Out Of A Tooth Extraction Site?
References:
Anbesol Gel. (2021)
Anbesol (Benzocaine) Maximum Strength 20 % Mucosal Gel
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt? Pain Management During and After
Dos and Don’ts of Tooth Extraction Aftercare – Luke, Caloundra Dentist
What Is a Dry Socket? Treatment, Symptoms, Pictures