Pain Management

Pain Management Options at COFS

Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery is committed to doing our part to battle the opioid epidemic.  We have researched ways to combat the current crisis and have implemented the following preventative measures:

  • Offering alternatives to pain control and discomfort by prescribing non-opioid (narcotic) medications and by recommending the use of over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol
  • Reducing and limiting the number opioid (narcotic) prescriptions given
  • Recommending and offering Exparel – a long-acting local anesthetic which is injected into the surgical site and is designed to gradually release into your body over a long period of time. This anesthetic provides lasting pain relief and reduces or eliminates the need for oral medications.

At COFS,  we encourage our patients and/or parents to talk about concerns regarding post-operative discomfort during your evaluation. COFS understands the concerns about the management of pain with regards to the opioid crisis. The doctors and staff at COFS are committed to our patients and have taken appropriate steps to reduce the potentially detrimental effects of opioids in our community.

After carefully considering the procedure you are having, your medical history, allergies, and medications that you currently take, your doctor will carefully choose your pain medication. Patients and parents must understand that soreness and discomfort is normal and will decrease as swelling subsides.

The doctors at COFS prefer to recommend medications such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Etodolac, and Tylenol (acetaminophen).  These non-narcotic medications can successfully manage pain and soreness. Most of the medications listed above are over-the-counter and come with less risk and possible side effects than opioids (narcotics).

Another option your doctor may recommend is using a long-acting local anesthetic called Exparel. This medication is injected into the surgical site(s) and is designed to release into your body over a long period of time for lasting pain relief. This medication is not an opioid (narcotic).

After careful consideration, your doctor may choose to prescribe an opioid (narcotic) for severe pain. It’s recommended that you use the opioid medication sparingly and make yourself aware of the possible side effects. The side effects of an opioid (narcotic) can include but aren’t limited to the following:  drowsiness or confusion, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.  Opioid medications can be addictive in nature, therefore, they are to be taken according to the directions on the label.  They should be used only to manage severe pain.

After your recovery is complete, it is recommended that you safely destroy and dispose of the narcotic (opioid) medication by using a “Safe Medication Disposal System”.