Our teeth are some of the most sensitive parts of our body and can be susceptible to injury and pain. It is important to see a dentist immediately if you have a dental emergency after an accident or illness. You may be able to save your tooth depending on how bad the damage is. But if decay, breakage, or infection has already spread to the root of the tooth, an extraction might be the only option.
Is Tooth Removal Painful?
That makes a lot of patients ask: Is tooth removal painful? Your local Mission Viejo dental specialist dentist prefers to perform tooth extractions as a last resort. Your dentist may recommend that you have your tooth pulled if all other options have failed. Below, we will discuss the procedure and what you can do to avoid undue pain.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
The dentist will use either a total or local anesthetic to help ease the pain after a tooth is removed. During the entire procedure, you should not feel any discomfort or pain. The dentist will use different tools to extract your tooth. You will need to lie down while you wait at the dentist’s office.
The tooth will first be “deadened”, meaning that it will be removed from its roots and nerves. The tooth will then be removed from its socket. This is the only way to eliminate the infection completely and remove it from your mouth.
Does a Tooth Extraction Cause Pain?
Everyone has different levels of sensitivity, so some people may feel more pain than others. Your trusted dentist will provide different types of anesthesia depending on your needs. This can help you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Local anesthesia, which is the simplest form of anesthesia, numbs only the area that is being treated. Although you might not feel sleepy or unconscious, you will not feel any pain in the area where your tooth has been pulled.
- Sedation anesthesia provides a bit more relaxation and numbness throughout your entire body. The most common type of sedation dentistry is the use of Nitrous Oxide. This is what many people refer to as “laughing gas”. You will feel somewhat drowsy or numb but still be conscious.
- Total anesthesia, also known as general anesthesia, is a form of total unconsciousness. It is usually only available in extremely rare situations. This is the same anesthesia that is used in surgical procedures. You will remain unconscious until the entire procedure is completed.
You may feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off following the completion of the procedure. Your dentist can help you manage pain during recovery by prescribing painkillers or over-the-counter pain medication.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
It will usually take between 24 to 72 hours for tenderness and pain to go away. Although you may feel discomfort the first few days after your tooth extraction, you will notice significant improvement once you have completed treatment.
If your pain persists for more than a few days, contact your dentist immediately. A “dry socket” is a condition where the blood doesn’t properly clot in a socket after an extraction. If you feel something is not right during recovery, contact your dentist.
Learn more about Tooth Extractions Today
An internal infection is a condition that causes a persistent toothache. You may be able to save your tooth if it is caught in time. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to save your tooth. In these cases, the root canal must be performed to prevent further decay. You may need to have an advanced tooth extraction in OC at the office of your local specialist, depending on your prognosis. Get in touch with us today to learn more!