Q&A – Acupuncture for Dental Pain

How on earth can sticking needles in my face reduce my toothache?
Won’t the acupuncture hurt worse than the pain I already have?

That’s a great question!  In general, acupuncture patients report heaviness, tingling, or minimal ache around points of insertion.  This is completely normal and is more interesting than painful.  Within a few minutes most patients enter a deep, restful state.  The sensation of acupuncture doesn’t even compare to the dental pain that we are treating.

How quickly will I notice an improvement?

Every body is different and every improvement is different.  However, as acupuncture actively stimulates the body’s healing response, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and relaxing tense musculature, most people notice improvement within the first 1-3 treatments.  Note that improvement also hinges on dental and orthodontic recommendations, lifestyle changes, and frequency of treatment.

Can I get acupuncture instead of going to the dentist or orthodontist?

No.  Acupuncture is not a substitute for regular dental and orthodontic care.  Acupuncture works best as a complementary therapy to the recommendations of your dentist or orthodontist.

Can I avoid surgery by doing acupuncture instead?

No.  Acupuncture is not a substitute for the surgical recommendations of your dentist and orthodontist.  Acupuncture can reduce healing time, reduce inflammation, and reduce pain both pre- and post-surgery.

How soon after surgery can I come back in?

As soon as your surgeon will allow it and as soon as you feel up to it.  Ideally, the sooner after surgery you can get an acupuncture treatment, the sooner you’ll be on the road to healing.