The prospect of getting a tooth removed can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you have never undergone an extraction before. However, this procedure is sometimes necessary to protect an individual’s oral health. What exactly does a tooth extraction feel like? This blog post explains what you can expect to experience during your treatment. The entire process is much easier than most people anticipate!
Patient Comfort Is Important
Keep in mind that the majority of dentists are compassionate people. The last thing they want to do is cause pain. Therefore, they always numb a patient’s mouth with local anesthetic before performing an extraction. You are likely to feel a sharp pinch as the numbing agent is injected, but any discomfort should pass within moments.
The anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain. However, it will not block your ability to experience pressure, so you might notice some tugging and pulling sensations throughout your treatment. These sensations are usually mild and easy to tolerate.
There Are Different Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two major categories of tooth extractions. Simple extractions are fairly straightforward. First, your dentist lifts the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Next, they grip it with forceps and move it back and forth in order to break the ligaments that are keeping it in place. Once the tooth is out of the mouth, they clean the socket and use gauze to control bleeding.
A surgical extraction is more complex. Your dental team might have to make incisions in your gums or break a large tooth into pieces. You are likely to hear some strange noises and feel some pressure. However, due to the local anesthetic, you should not experience any significant pain.
Some Soreness Is Normal
As the numbing agent wears off, you will experience some soreness in your mouth. Swelling is also normal. Your dental team will give you instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery. For example, you can take pain relievers, get plenty of rest, and eat a soft diet.
Recovering from a tooth extraction could take anywhere from a few days to a week or longer. If you notice any severe pain or other unusual symptoms during your healing period, contact your dentist right away.
Are you feeling nervous about an upcoming tooth extraction? That is understandable. The good news is that the procedure is likely to be easier than you expect!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group proudly provides comprehensive oral care services to our community. We offer gentle, compassionate tooth extractions when other restorative procedures would not be adequate to care for our patients’ needs. To learn more about what to expect during treatment, contact our team at 203-712-4068.