Exparel: Dental Care Without Opiates
Exparel is a novel approach to relieving pain using a non-opioid anesthetic applied to the surgical or implant site. During oral surgery, Exparel is placed into the surgical site and releases a unique formulation of bupivacaine to your body over time. This time-released medication effectively provides long-lasting pain relief without requiring frequent doses of other drugs, such as opiates. At Lebanon and Lancaster Oral Surgery, we strive to provide dental care without opiates, and Exparel helps us do so.
How Exparel Works
Exparel provides pain relief for at least 72 hours, typically the most painful period following oral surgery. Exparel numbs the surgery site, slowly releasing the local anesthetic bupivacaine over time. This prevents the nervous system from sending pain signals to the brain. A single dose eliminates pain for longer than oral medication and reduces the need for additional medicines.
The Problem with Opioids for Oral Surgery
Over 5,000 Pennsylvanians die yearly from overdoses, many of which are opioid overdoses. About 10,000 individuals go to the emergency room for opioid medication overdose annually. We believe these staggering numbers can be reduced by using non-opioid anesthetics during dental surgery and recovery. Exparel is not addictive and patients remain comfortable for up to three days with no additional medication needed.
Opioid use to relieve pain has a variety of side effects that can be unpleasant and lead to serious health complications, including:
- Grogginess and cognitive issues
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Addiction or dependence
Exparel eliminates concerns about opioid use and provides pain relief without the myriad side effects of opioid medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, or oxymorphone.
How is Exparel Different?
Exparel is a non-narcotic medication. It is injected directly into the surgical site during implant placement or other oral surgeries. Rather than oral medication, Exparel specifically targets the pain in a specific area. Because it is time-released, patients can recover at home without taking pain medications for the first two to three days following surgery.
If you are interested in using Exparel to relieve your oral surgery pain, ask your oral surgeon about it. During your initial consultation, we explain how Exparel works in detail. If you have questions about Exparel, please call our Lebanon Office at Lebanon Office Phone Number (717) 273-6745 or our Lancaster Office at Lancaster Office Phone Number (717) 740-2373.
