Tooth extraction treatment is never ideal. After all, dentists only perform it as a last resort; they’d prefer to save your teeth. Still, this procedure can seem rather scary if you’re a first-time patient. In that case, you might wonder, “How does a tooth extraction feel?” Perhaps you imagine the service as downright painful. Well, you can rest assured: tooth extractions don’t cause discomfort. In fact, they tend to be pretty smooth. To get the details, here’s a summary of the matter from your Edmond dentist.
How Does a Tooth Extraction Work?
How a dentist proceeds with tooth extraction varies by patient. As it happens, you’ll receive one of two kinds based on your oral situation.
A tooth that’s visibly above the gumline will get a simple extraction. For this option, a dentist will first use an elevator tool to loosen the chomper. They’ll then switch to forceps before finally removing the tooth.
In contrast, teeth that don’t fully erupt require surgical extractions. These kinds make a small incision into the gum to make the problem tooth visible. Once that’s done, a dentist can safely and effectively extract the pearly white.
What Does It Feel Like?
Regardless of extraction type, you can trust that the procedure is painless. Dentists take every precaution to ensure it’s comfortable.
You see, dentists always numb your mouth before extraction work. This step uses an anesthetic to keep your teeth, gums, and bone tissue from sensing pain. As a result, there won’t be any aches during the treatment.
At the very most, you might feel the ‘bite’ of the needle when given the anesthetic injection. However, this sensation only lasts a split second. The feeling quickly fades until you only sense a slight pressure from your tooth rocking back and forth.
What Should You Expect Afterward?
Admittedly, you’ll likely feel sore after the extraction. That’s only natural – the treatment site will need time to heal and recover. Luckily, the ache goes away once you rest for a few days.
Of course, you can take steps to reduce post-extraction pain. These include the following:
- Only eat soft foods the day after your extraction — soup, yogurt, applesauce, etc. You can reintroduce solids as the treatment area heals.
- Take painkillers and other medications as prescribed.
- Avoid the extraction site when brushing or flossing.
- About a day after treatment, rinse your mouth with saltwater.
In answer to your question, “How does a tooth extraction feel?” it doesn’t feel like much of anything. You can thus go into treatment confident that it’ll go smoothly.
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith is a dentist based in Edmond, OK, having earned his DDS at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He’s been operating his own dental office for over thirty years now. As such, his rich dental experience lets him perform top-notch preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. He’s also gifted in emergency services like root canal therapy and tooth extractions. Dr. Smith currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (405)-341-7773.