Although your dentist typically does everything they can to protect and preserve the teeth you were born with, there are occasions in which an extraction is the best way to safeguard your smile. For example, removing a severely decayed or damaged tooth that can’t be fixed with a tooth-colored filling or a root canal may be the only way to alleviate your discomfort and prevent a spreading infection.
However, many patients avoid scheduling their procedure because they’re worried it will hurt. Continue reading to learn more about what tooth extractions feel like so you can set your fears aside!
Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
You can probably guess that you might need this procedure if you have an overly injured tooth that’s causing problems, but that’s not the only time they’re necessary.
Your dentist might also recommend this treatment to make room for orthodontics, like SureSmile clear aligners. Also, some patients who have lost most of their teeth must have the remaining few removed to have restorations like dentures fitted and placed.
If you’re unsure why your provider recommended an extraction, feel free to ask! They can walk you through their examination findings and tell you why they think this option is in your best interests.
Do Tooth Extractions Hurt?
No one wants to invite additional aches, especially if their mouth is already achy. Fortunately, when it comes to tooth extractions, you don’t have to worry about discomfort during the procedure. Your dental team will begin by administering a local anesthetic to prevent the nerves in your troublesome tooth from sending signals to your brain. You might experience some sensations while they work, but it feels more like pressure than outright pain.
Many dentists also offer sedatives, like nitrous oxide, which is administered through a mask placed of your nose. This “laughing gas” helps you feel calm and relaxed and sometimes induces a euphoric or giggly sensation, hence its popular nickname. The medication kicks in almost as soon as you inhale it, and the effects wear off just as quickly once the mask is removed after your procedure.
Does Recovering from a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Typically, it takes a few days to recover from having teeth pulled, but it can depend on your unique situation. Older adults have more firmly rooted teeth and denser jawbones than teenagers, so it can sometimes take longer to heal. It’s normal to experience some mild to moderate swelling and associated aches after your extraction, but this tends to peak after a couple of days and then begins to fade. It’s usually safe to take Tylenol or ibuprofen to manage symptoms.
After your treatment, your dentist will provide post-op instructions to follow carefully to avoid a potentially painful complication known as dry socket. Your mouth must form a blood clot over the exposed bone tissue and nerves to shield them from harm. Not only is it incredibly uncomfortable if this flap is damaged or dislodged, but your body will also need to form a new one so you can heal, restarting your recovery process.
Listening to your dentist is the best way to mend quickly without developing complications!
About the Practice
At Alpharetta Modern Dentistry, you and your family benefit from two skilled dentists who provide a comprehensive menu of services to help people of all ages build happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Valeria Labastida (“Dr. V”) and Dr. Ashish Kakadia share 20+ years of combined experience so they can assist with everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, including extractions. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering customized treatments for accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (470) 282-5157.