If you’re preparing for oral surgery, one of the most common questions you may have is, “How much pain am I going to be in after my procedure?”
The good news is that pain management continues to evolve and improve. Today’s approach focuses on helping patients get ahead of pain and stay comfortable while minimizing the need for opioid medications whenever possible. Two newer options that may be part of your personalized treatment plan are EXPAREL® and JOURNAVX™.
Here’s what you should know about these innovative pain management options.
What Is EXPAREL®?
EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) is a long-acting local anesthetic. It is administered by injection, similar to traditional local anesthetics such as lidocaine. EXPAREL® is given at the end of a procedure at a site that is already numb, so there is no discomfort. Unlike traditional numbing medications that wear off within a few hours, EXPAREL® is designed to provide pain relief for up to 72 hours after surgery. Because EXPAREL® is applied only to the surgery site, its effect will be precise and limited to the intended site.
By delivering extended pain control directly at the surgical site, EXPAREL® can help reduce discomfort during the first few days of recovery, often when pain is at its peak.
Potential Benefits of EXPAREL®
- Long-lasting pain relief after surgery
- Reduced need for opioid pain medications in many patients
- Improved comfort during the early recovery period
- No pills to remember or schedules to follow immediately after surgery
EXPAREL® is not appropriate for every procedure or every patient, so your oral surgeon will determine whether it is a good option based on your medical history and treatment plan.
What Is JOURNAVX™?
JOURNAVX™ (suzetrigine) is a newer prescription oral medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in adults. Unlike opioids, JOURNAVX™ works by targeting pain signals in the peripheral nervous system before they reach the brain. Because it uses a different mechanism than opioid medications, JOURNAVX™ offers another option for managing short-term surgical pain without any of the risks and undesired side effects associated with opioids.
JOURNAVX™ is now widely available at major pharmaceutical retailers and covered by most health insurance plans. Our practice works directly with the medication’s parent company to ensure that all interested patients are able to acquire it at minimal cost.
As with any medication, JOURNAVX™ may not be suitable for everyone. At Oral and Facial Surgery of the NorthShore, we will review your medical history, current medications, and any potential drug interactions before recommending it.
Can EXPAREL® and JOURNAVX™ Be Used Together?
Yes.
Because EXPAREL® and JOURNAVX™ are administered in different ways, they may be used as part of a multimodal pain management strategy. This approach combines different types of pain relief strategies to improve comfort while reducing reliance on opioid medications.
Your recommended pain management strategy may also include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
- Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications
- Cold application
- Rest and head elevation
Every patient’s needs are different, so our oral surgeon will recommend the combination that is safest and most effective for your procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
From wisdom teeth to complex facial procedures, Dr. Stephen Martin delivers precise, compassionate surgical care designed to restore comfort, function, and confidence. We invite you to schedule your consultation by calling (224) 623-0709 or completing our convenient consultation form.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
Whether you’re having wisdom teeth removed, receiving dental implants, or undergoing another oral surgery procedure, advances in pain management are providing more options than ever before.
Many patients are able to recover comfortably using a personalized combination of medications and techniques designed to control pain while limiting the need for opioids whenever appropriate.
Talk With Our Oral Surgeon
If you’re scheduled for surgery with us and have questions about pain management, don’t hesitate to ask your care team.
We are committed to providing safe, evidence-based care and will discuss all appropriate options, including whether EXPAREL® or JOURNAVX™ may be right for your procedure. Together, we’ll develop a pain management plan that supports a comfortable recovery and helps you get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
Schedule your consultation today by calling (224) 623-0709 or completing our contact form.