The prospect of a tooth extraction often brings apprehension about pain. Modern dental practices prioritize patient comfort throughout the procedure. While the idea of having a tooth removed might seem daunting, advancements in dental care significantly reduce pain during the process.
During the Extraction: What to Expect
During a tooth extraction, local anesthesia numbs the area, preventing sharp pain. Your dentist or oral surgeon applies a numbing gel to the gums before injecting the anesthetic. This injection might cause a brief, mild pinch, but the area will become numb.
Although anesthesia eliminates pain, you may still feel pressure or movement as the dentist works to loosen and remove the tooth. Local anesthesia blocks pain signals, allowing awareness without discomfort. For complex extractions or dental anxiety, additional sedation options like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation may be offered.
After the Extraction: Managing Discomfort
Once local anesthesia wears off, a few hours after the procedure, it is normal to experience discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. This discomfort is a dull ache or soreness. Swelling often peaks between 24 and 72 hours post-extraction.
Discomfort is most significant during the first 24 to 48 hours following a simple tooth extraction, with pain subsiding within two to three days. More complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, may last longer, up to a week or two for surgical extractions. Headaches, jaw tightness, or a sore throat can occur and usually resolve within one to three days.
Promoting a Smooth Recovery
To manage post-extraction discomfort and facilitate healing, follow your dentist’s instructions. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often effective for pain and inflammation. For complex procedures, your dentist might prescribe stronger pain medication.
Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 10-20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks, can help reduce swelling and numb the area during the first 24 hours. Eating soft foods like soup, yogurt, or mashed potatoes helps avoid irritation to the extraction site. It is also advisable to avoid using straws or spitting forcefully for at least 24 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket.
Propping your head up with pillows while resting can also minimize swelling and bleeding. Maintaining gentle oral hygiene, including rinsing with a warm saltwater solution after 24 hours, helps keep the site clean and prevents infection. Avoid smoking, as it can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of complications.