Can I use orajel after a tooth extraction?

Question

It has been 42 hours since my extraction. Still quite a bit of pain on and off. I don't think it is a dry socket - it was just a difficult extraction and the dentist told me to expect pain for 48-72 hours afterwards. However, he didn't give me much instruction as to how to manage the pain other than Advil. Can I put Orajel around the area? Can I put it directly on the area where the tooth was or should I stay away from that area since it is still tender and feels fleshy? Or am I just babying it too much? Can Orajel dislodge the clot or cause infection? Those are my two main worries. Thanks much!

Answer 1

can't believe he didn't give a narcotic mediaction  Oragel may help a bit but not much.  Oragel wont dislodge a clot.  I dont think its a dry socket either, b/c that kinda pain will bring you to your knees.

Answer 2

I worked in the dental field for 25+ years and I tell you to NOT use the orajel in the extraction area.  You do not want to do anything that might disturb the clot or you will have intense pain from a dry socket.  Take the tylenol.  If it is not enough, call your dentist and have him call in a prescription.  Orajel only numbs the area it is applied to topically for a short period of time and your pain is probably from the bone area that was disturbed.  Good luck.

Answer 3

I wouldn't put anything directly on the clot just in case.  The orajel probably wouldn't reach the spot that hurts the most anyways.  I have found taking Tylenol helped better then Advil for tooth pain that I had.