How Painful is Surgical Extraction?
No one wants to hear the words “surgical tooth extraction” from their dentist. The idea of having a tooth extracted is the last thing anyone wants to think about because it is often associated with pain and discomfort. Dentists always do their best to try and save a tooth, but sometimes an extraction is necessary when there is too much damage to repair. If you’ve been told you need an extraction, you may be wondering, how painful will be?
What is a surgical extraction?
There are two types of extractions a dentist will use to remove a tooth: simple extraction and surgical extraction. The type of extraction your dentist chooses is based on several factors including the degree of damage, location of the tooth, or root structure. In most cases, your dentist will be able to determine the type of extraction you need prior to treatment.
A simple extraction is performed when a tooth is easily accessible and the damage to the tooth will allow for it. A surgical extraction is a more complicated procedure and is generally performed if the tooth is not easily accessible or has a long, complex root structure. Wisdom teeth are common examples of teeth that need to be surgically extracted due to their location and challenge of accessibility. If you need a surgical extraction, your dentist will make a small incision in your gums near the tooth. Occasionally, a tooth may even need to be sectioned into multiple parts to make it easier to manipulate during extraction. Once the procedure is completed, the incision will be closed with stitches.
How much does it hurt?
Despite your concerns, rest assured, the procedure does not hurt. Your dentist will administer an anesthetic prior to the extraction that will numb the area. Once this is done, your dentist will test the surrounding area to check for sensations. Once you and your dentist determine you are sufficiently numb, they will begin the procedure. During the procedure, you may feel pressure or a pulling sensation, but other than this you should have no pain.
What about after the extraction?
After a simple or surgical reaction, there are specific recovery instructions that you must follow to ensure a healthy recovery and minimize pain. Your dentist will discuss these instructions with you after the procedure and provide you with a written copy. In general, the instructions include: biting down on a gauze pad for at least 30 minutes following the procedure to aid in the clotting process, avoiding aggressive rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours, beginning gentle mouthwashes with salt water after 24 hours, and make sure you do not smoke or do strenuous activities with your mouth until it is healed. If you follow these recovery steps, your pain will be minimized, and you will avoid unnecessary complications.
Rest assured; a surgical extraction is not something to be worried about. Your dentist will walk you through the steps and ensure that your procedure is pain free and your recovery speedy.