Considering Early Braces Removal Due to Pain
Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a tough spot right now. On July 10, I had my wisdom teeth extracted, and the dentist put me on a regimen of amoxicillin (500mg) and acetaminophen (500mg). Initially, everything went smoothly, to be honest. About three weeks later, though, I developed an infection from a small cut. I visited urgent care, where the doctor switched me to a higher dose of amoxicillin (875mg) and gave me an oral gel to manage the pain. After a follow-up appointment on August 7, my recovery seemed to be progressing well. However, just yesterday, I experienced significant discomfort. I assumed it was due to my rubber bands, so I removed them for a while. I also have some additional amoxicillin (500mg) that my dentist provided as a precaution, but it doesn't seem effective like the previous prescription did. Thankfully, I'm scheduled to have my braces removed in October, but this pain is quite intense, leading me to contemplate getting them off sooner.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 7:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant discomfort related to your braces, especially after your recent dental procedures. It's understandable to consider removing your braces early if the pain is intense, but there are important factors to weigh before making that decision.
Explanation:
After wisdom tooth extraction and subsequent changes in your dental treatment, it’s normal for discomfort to arise, especially with rubber bands that can put pressure on your teeth. Pain can occur for various reasons, including irritation from the braces, changes in your mouth due to the extraction, or temporary responses to medications like antibiotics. It’s common for pain levels to fluctuate during orthodontic treatment, and discomfort doesn’t always indicate that you should remove braces early.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: Continue using the oral gel prescribed by your doctor for pain relief. You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) to help manage discomfort. Ensure you follow the dosing guidelines provided.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you're experiencing swelling, fever, or if the pain worsens or persists despite pain management, note these changes.
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Adjust Rubber Bands: If removing the rubber bands temporarily provided some relief, consider whether you can do so for short periods, but try to keep them on as recommended by your orthodontist. Discuss adjustments to your rubber band regimen with your orthodontist if discomfort continues.
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Communicate with Your Orthodontist: Reach out to your orthodontist about your pain. They can assess whether the discomfort is due to the braces or if it is related to the recent dental procedures. They may have strategies to adjust or change your treatment plan to minimize pain while still achieving your alignment goals.
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Avoid Self-Removal: Hold off on removing your braces on your own, as this can lead to misalignment and other dental issues. Trust that your orthodontist has created a plan for your best dental outcomes.
Remember, it’s important to keep your dental care team informed about any changes or concerns you have regarding your treatment. They can provide the most accurate guidance tailored to your situation.
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