{"id":186,"date":"2026-05-28T00:15:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T00:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virginiaoralfacialsurgery.com\/blog\/?p=186"},"modified":"2026-05-28T00:17:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T00:17:42","slug":"how-exparel-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virginiaoralfacialsurgery.com\/blog\/how-exparel-works\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Exparel & How Is It Applied for Oral Surgeries?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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During your oral surgery, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic so you don\u2019t feel a thing. Sedation options, such as nitrous oxide sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia are also available to ensure that you are perfectly comfortable throughout your procedure. However, some patients worry about post-surgical discomfort. Opioid pain relievers are common for managing pain following oral surgery<\/a>, but they aren\u2019t the right option for everyone. This is where Exparel comes in. Continue reading to learn about Exparel, how it works, and its benefits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Exparel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exparel is an extended-release local anesthetic. Unlike traditional numbing agents that will wear off within a few hours, Exparel is created to slowly release over time, providing extended local pain relief for up to 72 hours. This medication is administered during your procedure directly into the surgical site. It is approved by the FDA to be used for patients six years of age and older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Exparel Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exparel is used to provide pain relief as you recover from surgery. It works by decreasing pain signals that are sent from the site of your surgery to your pain. This medication numbs the area and reduces how much discomfort you feal. Because this anesthetic is extended relief, it reduces pain in the time you need it most after surgery. It can be used for the following procedures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n