If you’ve been told that you need to have a troublesome tooth removed, it is natural to have questions. Many patients experience anxiety around dental appointments, especially when it involves an extraction. For instance, you might wonder whether other treatments can help or if the procedure will hurt.
Typically, your dentist only recommends this solution when the affected tooth is too injured to be repaired with another option like a filling, root canal, or dental crown. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect from your extraction to set your mind at ease!
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
It’s not uncommon for people to avoid scheduling an extraction because they’re afraid it will be a long and agonizing process. Thankfully, that’s not the case! Before they begin your procedure, your dental team will apply a local anesthetic around the troublesome tooth to numb the area. While you might feel pressure, there shouldn’t be any noticeable pain.
Many providers also offer sedatives either as a pill, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or IV medications to help you feel calm and relaxed the entire time. Then, depending on the severity of your condition and the type of removal, you can safely anticipate the following steps:
- Simple extractions: Your dentist will insert a specially designed instrument called a dental elevator, or a luxator, between your tooth and the surrounding jawbone. This applies controlled pressure that helps to lift your pearly white out of its socket. Next, they’ll grasp it with forceps and gently wiggle it free.
- Surgical extractions: You’ll likely require a more complex treatment if you have an impacted or infected tooth. For this procedure, your oral surgeon creates a small incision in your gums to access it. Then, they may need to break the tooth into smaller sections to remove it more easily.
Typically, impacted wisdom teeth require a surgical extraction.
Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Hurt?
Having some mild to moderate soreness and inflammation after your appointment is normal as the anesthetic wears off. Then, your mouth must form a blood clot over the site to protect the exposed bone and nerves from bacteria in your mouth. If this clot is damaged or dislodged, you could develop a painful complication known as dry socket.
To heal as efficiently as possible while avoiding adverse effects, your dentist recommends:
- Change out your gauze as needed to slow bleeding.
- Rest for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
- Take any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics as directed.
- Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw; the force of suction can injure your blood clot.
- Stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce for the first couple of days.
- Rinse with warm salt water the first day, then carefully resume brushing and flossing to keep your mouth clean after that.
If you have ongoing pain that worsens or doesn’t resolve in a few days, especially if you show other signs of an infection, contact your provider.
Although it’s natural to feel trepidatious about an upcoming dental extraction, fortunately, it’s not as scary as you might think!
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, patients benefit from a team of five oral surgeons who are dedicated to helping you build a happy, healthy smile. With several board-certified experts available, they are ready to take on even the most complex cases. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you have a toothache or need an extraction, you can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 425-5010.