Who Do My Teeth Hurt After Rhinoplasty

Mild pain after rhinoplasty is common. However, certain patients experience long pain that impacts their routine tasks. This leaves them wondering – why do my teeth hurt after rhinoplasty?

The good thing is that you are not alone as tooth pain after rhinoplasty is a side effect most patients would experience. Likewise, there are numerous solutions that can offer relief from it.

Further, some patients also experience pain in parts that have no connection with the rhinoplasty procedure. This is because few nerves supplying sensation have connection to the base of the nose. Thus, shooting pain signals across the face.

Let us explore the potential causes of tooth pain after rhinoplasty and how to alleviate the discomfort.

Does Rhinoplasty Affect Your Teeth?

Since nose job is a surgical procedure, it can affect your teeth due to its connection to the mouth and can cause pain and discomfort.

Here’s how rhinoplasty impact your teeth:

• Tooth numbness
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bite changes
• Jaw alignment
• Sinus pressure

1. Open Rhinoplasty: This technique involves small incision on the columella (tissue bridge between the nostrils), which causes swelling and pressure. However, most patients report a manageable discomfort after this type of rhinoplasty.
2. Closed Rhinoplasty: There are no external scars, hence swelling is minimal. Further, patients report mild tenderness but with low discomfort. Further, this technique offers faster healing.

What are Causes of Tooth Pain after Rhinoplasty?

Numerous reasons can elevate pain after a rhinoplasty. It ranges from surgical trauma, anatomical changes to sinus pressures.

Here are potential answers to the question why are my teeth numb after rhinoplasty?

• Inflammation And Swelling: Since nasal passages and sinuses get radiated from inflammation or swelling, which can cause pain around teeth.
• Nerve Irritation: Surgical trauma to the nasal nerves can also cause pain in the teeth.
• Turbinates Reduction: Significant changes occur in the turbinate bones, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Sinus Infection: Another major cause, especially in the upper jaw is due to sinus infection.
• Bite Alignment: Changes to bite alignment in the upper and lower teeth leads to pain after rhinoplasty.

How to Prevent Tooth Pain after Rhinoplasty?

Around 95% patients experience pain after rhinoplasty, however, you can follow certain guidelines to minimize the pain..

• Pre-Surgery Preparations: Inform your surgeon about tooth pain history. It will help you ensure a healthy dental status before the rhinoplasty.
• Post-Surgery Care: Follow the surgeons care instructions to reduce pain. Similarly, you should take pain management medications to minimize discomfort. Further, brush your teeth regularly, and refrain from activities that may increase tooth pain.
• Dietary Precautions: Soft foods reduce chewing and biting thus supporting pain. Likewise, avoid hot or cold foods to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water can also help in minimizing the pain.
• Additional Tips: Use a mouthguard at night to prevent grinding. Similarly, you can use a humidifier as it can help to maintain a healthy moisture level. Never miss a follow-up check-up appointment.

How to Manage the Pain after Rhinoplasty?

Although preventive measures can significantly reduce the pain, some discomfort may still occur. Thus, managing pain after rhinoplasty can significantly improve the smooth recovery process.

Here are solutions to manage your teeth numb:

• Analgesics: Prescribed over-the-counter pain relievers are beneficial for mild to moderate post-rhinoplasty toothache.
• Cold Compressors: Ice packs and cold compresses help to reduce swelling thus easing the pain.
• Elevated Head: Using extra pillows will elevate your head, which helps to reduce blood flow towards the face and reduce swelling and pain.
• Breathing Exercises: Such exercises can help to manage discomfort and promote relaxation.
• Warm Saltwater Rinse: As saltwater rinse reduces bacteria in your mouth, thus promoting soothing and healing.

How Do You Clean Your Teeth After Rhinoplasty?

Teeth cleaning is a major part of post-op care instructions. However, many find it tough to rightly brush their teeth. Moreover, teeth ache a lot post rhinoplasty, making brushing sensitive.

Therefore, experts ask patients to brush their teeth regularly. However, clean your teeth gently with soft brushes only and do not use force during brushing.

How Long Does Discomfort Last?

More than 75% patients suggest that initial discomfort fades away during the first week post rhinoplasty. Likewise, your surgeon may recommend you over the counter painkillers to reduce the pain.

However, if pain persists beyond the first week of rhinoplasty, you must immediately visit the surgeon to get proper advice.