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Posts for tag: medication
For most dental procedures you’re usually back to your regular routine in no more than a day or two (or even hours) afterward. For the most part, the mouth heals rather quickly.
But there may still be a short period of discomfort after tooth extraction, gum surgery or similar invasive procedures. The good news is you will most likely have no need for strong narcotic painkillers — milder, over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage your discomfort.
The most common of these are known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of pain relievers — which include aspirin and ibuprofen — block the release of substances in the body known as prostaglandins that stimulate inflammation that increases pain in damaged tissues. They’re much preferred for mild to moderate pain because they don’t have the side effects of steroids or narcotics like morphine or codeine. They also tend to be less costly than these other prescription drugs.
But while they’re reasonably safe, they can cause problems if you exceed the recommended dosage or use them for prolonged periods. Their blockage of certain chemicals reduces the clotting mechanism in blood leading to a blood-thinning effect. Not only will this increase bleeding, it can also damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers if used over a period of weeks. Improper dosage of NSAIDs has also been linked to miscarriages and repeat heart attacks, which is why they’re not recommended for use during pregnancy or with patients with a history of heart or intestinal problems.
But if taken as directed by your physician or dentist — usually no more than 2,400 milligrams a day and only for a few days — such side effects are quite rare. The benefit is much more common: about five hours of pain relief from a single dose for most people. With the help of ibuprofen or similar drugs, you’ll be on your feet after your dental work in no time.Â
If you would like more information on managing pain after a procedure, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Treating Pain with Ibuprofen.”
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), better known as aspirin, is an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. More recently, its anti-inflammatory properties have become part of the management of cardiovascular disease. But while regular use may benefit your general health, it could complicate your dental care.
Aspirin helps reduce inflammatory pain or fever by blocking the body’s formation of prostaglandins, chemicals that contribute to inflammation after trauma or injury. It also prevents blood platelets from sticking and clumping together. While this can prolong normal bleeding and bruising, it also helps the blood move freely through narrowed or damaged blood vessels, which reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke in at-risk cardiovascular patients. Due to side effects from prolonged aspirin use like kidney damage, stomach bleeding, or ulceration, physicians normally prescribe a low aspirin dosage (81 milligrams) to minimize these effects.
Because of its effect on bleeding and clotting, it’s important that every member of your healthcare team — including your dentist — knows how much and how often you take aspirin. The change it causes in your body’s clotting mechanism may also affect how dental procedures are carried out; by knowing you take aspirin regularly we can take extra precautions to ensure your safety.
In fact, if you’ve been prescribed aspirin for a heart condition, you may be tempted to stop taking it before a dental procedure out of fear of profuse bleeding. This is highly unadvisable — the sudden discontinuation could increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or even death. You should only discontinue aspirin treatment at the direction of your prescribing physician.
Another aspirin-related effect may involve your gums and other soft tissues. You may notice gum tissue bleeding after brushing or flossing; while this is normally a sign of periodontal gum disease, it could also be the result of your aspirin therapy. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a visit with us to examine your gums.
When it comes to aspirin or other blood-related therapies, the key is to communicate your health status with us, including all medications you are taking. With that knowledge we can provide you with the most informed and safest dental care we can.
If you would like more information on the effects of aspirin on your dental care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Aspirin: Friend or Foe?”
We tend to think of aspirin as a harmless medication. It is dispensed over the counter and is the most widely used OTC medication in the U.S. We take it without thinking we may be exposing ourselves to risks. But in certain situations aspirin can cause dangerous side effects.
What is aspirin, and how does it work?
The chemical name for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. It is used to reduce mild pain, inflammation and fever. When you take an aspirin, it blocks the formation of prostaglandins, substances your body creates that are associated with inflammation. Prostaglandins cause inflamed tissues to become red and swollen, but they also serve protective purposes, such as forming a barrier that protects the stomach from the acid it produces to digest your food. That's why long-term aspirin use can sometimes cause stomach bleeding and ulceration or other health problems.
Why do cardiac patients take aspirin?
Another effect of aspirin is to prevent blood platelets from clumping together. Blood platelets are structures in the blood, smaller than white or red blood cells, that aid clotting by sticking together at the site of an injury. This effect of aspirin can cause prolonged bleeding, but it may be beneficial to people who have cardiovascular (from cardio, meaning heart; and vascular, meaning vessel) disease with narrowed blood vessels.
Aspirin can keep blood flowing in the obstructed vessels and thus prevent heart attacks and strokes; but it can also increase the risk for strokes that are caused by bleeding in the brain. Most physicians attempt to lower such risks by asking their patients to keep their daily aspirin consumption to a low dose 81 mg “baby” aspirin.
How does aspirin affect your teeth and gums?
Be sure to let your medical and dental professionals know you are taking aspirin, and how much you take. Also tell us about other OTC medications you take, including herbal medications and supplements, because they may interact with aspirin to cause side effects.
If you have been told to take aspirin because of a cardiac condition or procedure, be sure to follow your recommended treatment. Do not suddenly discontinue aspirin therapy; doing so can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Ask us if you should stop taking aspirin before a major dental or oral surgery, but do not stop taking it on your own. We will consult with your physician about your medical condition and let you know our recommendation. In most cases you can continue your aspirin therapy without causing excessive bleeding during the dental procedure.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Aspirin: Friend or Foe?”
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Edward C. Joseph, D.D.S.
Burbank, CA 91505
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2020
- March (6)
- Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
- Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Provide a Viable Alternative to Dental Amalgam
- Uncovering Early Gum Disease Through Periodontal Probing
- Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
- Adult Tooth Root Resorption is a Serious Issue that Requires Prompt Action
- February (6)
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Manage These Risk Factors to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
- Follow the Fast-Food Lead: Cut Back Sodas in Your Child's Diet
- 4 Things to Do to Keep Your Child's Dental Development on Track
- Why Gum Disease Could Affect More Than Your Oral Health
- A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
- January (6)
- 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Smile in the New Year
- Give Your Child Added Protection Against Cavities With Topical Fluoride
- Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
- Do You Have Adequate Bone to Support an Implant?
- 3 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Techniques for a Healthier Mouth
- 2019
- December (6)
- Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
- Teeth Grinding Could Endanger Your Dental Health
- Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
- Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
- How Implants Might Improve Bone Health With Dentures
- Primary Teeth Decay Could Affect Your Child's Future Dental Health
- November (6)
- Office Fluoride Treatments Can Add Extra Protection to Your Child's Teeth
- Teeth Grinding in Older Children and Adolescents a Cause for Concern
- How Long Will Root Canal Treatment Last?
- Smoking Could Increase Your Gum Disease Risk
- 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
- The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
- October (6)
- The Triple Partnership That Could Save a Cancer Patient's Oral Health
- Do a Little Extra Food Prep to Ease TMD Discomfort
- Here's What You Can Do to Avoid Gum Disease
- Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
- A Partnership With the Dentist Will Help Your Child's Teeth Develop Normally
- Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
- September (6)
- Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
- 4 Ways You Can Take Years off Your Smile
- Preserving the Pulp is Priority One with a Newly Erupted Permanent Tooth
- New Minimally Invasive Techniques are Improving Tooth Decay Treatment
- Topical Fluoride Offers a Protective Boost to Children at High Risk for Decay
- You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
- August (6)
- Oral Hygiene Might Be on the Decline With the Newest Adult Generation
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
- You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
- Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- July (7)
- You May Need to Postpone an Upcoming Dental Visit if You Have Shingles
- How Dentists Provide Your Child the Benefit of X-Rays as Safely as Possible
- How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
- 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
- 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
- If You're Older, be on the Lookout for Root Cavities
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- June (6)
- Primary Teeth are Critical to Future Dental Health and Worth Preserving
- As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
- Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
- A Detailed 'Smile Analysis' Sets the Stage for a Successful Makeover
- Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- May (6)
- 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
- Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
- Tooth Loss: A Health Risk for Older Adults
- Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
- Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
- Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
- April (6)
- There's Still Hope for a Re-Infected Tooth After Root Canal Treatment
- Gum Disease Could be Affecting More Than Just Your Mouth
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
- Transforming Your Smile with Veneers, Step by Step
- April Is National Facial Protection Month
- March (6)
- Here's How to Manage School Snacks and Your Child's Dental Health
- You Don't Have to Live with a Gummy Smile. Here's How We Can Change it!
- March Is the Time to Evaluate Sleep Problems
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- A Dental Exam Could Uncover an Eating Disorder
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
- February (6)
- Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
- 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- 3 Age-Related Dental Problems and what you can do About Them
- Test You're Brushing and Flossing Success with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
- Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
- January (6)
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- Orthodontics Could be in Your Smile Makeover Plan
- Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
- Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
- Enhance Your Smile for that Special, Once-in-a-Lifetime Day
- 2018
- December (6)
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- New Year, New Smile
- Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- November (6)
- Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
- Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
- 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
- Dentures are Still a Viable Choice for Tooth Replacement
- Cosmetic Gum Surgery Can Help Restore Lost Tissues Around Teeth
- Gum Surgery Can Improve Your Smile and Save Your Teeth
- October (6)
- Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
- 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
- How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- September (6)
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- FAQs for National Gum Care Month
- Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
- Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
- August (6)
- Recreational Marijuana Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- What to do if Your Child has a Toothache
- World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
- Can't Afford Dental Implants? Consider Partial Dentures
- Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
- July (7)
- The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Around Age 3
- You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- Don't Take a Vacation From Oral Hygiene This Summer!
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Tips to Brighten Your Summer Smile
- June (6)
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
- Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Gum Infection Around Tooth Roots Calls for Immediate Action
- 2017
- December (5)
- Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
- Living with HIV includes Keeping a Close Watch on Your Oral Health
- 3 Ways You Can Help Your Child Feel at Home at the Dentist
- Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
- Air Abrasion Could be a More Pleasant Alternative to the Dental Drill
- May (5)
- Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Techniques for Keeping Impacted Canine Teeth from Spoiling Your Smile
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
- April (5)
- An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
- Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
- You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
- January (5)
- Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
- Get Control of Dry Mouth to Protect Your Dental Health
- Restore a Flawed Tooth in as Little as One Visit with Composite Resin
- You Should Brush and Floss Around Your Implant to Ensure its Longevity
- Keep a Lookout for These Soft Tissue Conditions in the Mouth
- 2016
- November (5)
- 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
- Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- September (5)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
- Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
- Treating "Burning Mouth" Depends on What's Triggering it
- Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
- June (5)
- Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
- Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
- 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
- Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
- The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
- May (5)
- Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
- Here's What to Do if Your Child has a Toothache
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
- Weigh a Poor Smile's Emotional and Social Cost when Considering Restorations
- March (5)
- Removable Dentures Remain a Viable Option for People with Total Tooth Loss
- Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Test Out Your Future Look With a 'Trial Smile'
- 2015
- December (5)
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- Saliva Performs Many Functions for Both Oral and General Health
- Three Considerations for Working with Your Dentist on Your Smile Makeover
- Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
- 2014
- August (5)
- Dental Hygienist - Your Partner in Preventing Disease and Maintaining Oral Health
- Major Benefits for Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
- Replace Missing Teeth to Prevent Other Teeth From Moving Out of Place
- Taking Precautions Before, During and After Implants Will Help Ensure Success
- Conscious Sedation can Make Your Child's Dental Visit More Pleasant
- 2013
- December (5)
- Do Clear Orthodontic Aligners Really Work?
- Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Important for Both Your General and Oral Health
- Consider all the Cost Factors When Deciding on a Crown Restoration
- New Permanent Teeth - Faster Than Ever!
- October (5)
- Are You an Athlete? Here Are Five Reasons You Should Wear a Mouthguard
- Dental Implant Maintenance: 5 Facts You Should Know
- Advances in Clear Aligners Make Them a Viable Choice for More Teens
- Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2012
- August (7)
- Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
- American's Obsession With Bad Breath
- Top 5 Advantages of Dental Implants
- Factors that Can Influence a Dental Implant
- Early Orthodontic Care Helped Child Star Nolan Gould Get Ready for Prime Time
- Child Star Nolan Gould Talks About Tooth Extractions, Orthodontic Treatment
- How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
- 2011
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