The idea of getting a tooth removed can feel like an intimidating prospect! You might even have seen unflattering depictions in the media showing a painful and gruesome experience. The truth is, though, that getting a tooth extracted is relatively simple and easy for patients. What does it feel like, and what can you expect throughout the process? This blog post explains.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before the procedure begins, your dentist or oral surgeon will take steps to make you comfortable. The use of local anesthesia is common; the portion of your mouth where the extraction will occur should be numb, unable to experience pain. You may feel a pinch as the anesthetic is injected, but that should cause only momentary and mild discomfort.
If you are feeling particularly nervous or anxious, or you need to undergo a complex extraction, your care provider might recommend sedation. This involves the use of medications that can help you feel relaxed and less aware of the procedure. Some patients even drift off to sleep when they are under the influence of sedation!
Removing the Tooth
During the tooth extraction, you might feel a sensation of pressure as your dentist or oral surgeon carefully works to loosen and remove the tooth. This pressure is often caused by the movement of instruments and is not painful.
Many patients report feeling nothing at all during this stage, especially when sedated, as their awareness of the process is significantly reduced. Your care team will use precise techniques to remove the tooth efficiently and gently, doing all they can to ensure that the procedure remains simple and stress-free for you.
If you start to experience any significant discomfort during your procedure, let your oral surgeon know so they can adjust their approach to your treatment accordingly.
Recovery and Managing Discomfort
Once the tooth has been removed, and the anesthesia and sedation wear off, you may feel some mild soreness or tenderness in the treatment area. This is entirely normal and should not be alarming. Most patients are very well-healed within a week or two. In the meantime, you can minimize discomfort by taking some practical steps. For example, you should:
- Eat a soft diet.
- Be very gentle when brushing and flossing around the treated area.
- Keep your head elevated when you are sleeping.
- Take any medications as recommended by your care team.
- Carefully rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
- Follow any other instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Getting a tooth extracted is more comfortable than you might imagine! Talk to your care team to learn more about what to expect.
Meet the Practice Dr. Sheng Ji is a highly accomplished oral surgeon in Carmicheal, CA. He regularly performs complex tooth extractions to promote our patients’ long-term oral health, and he is qualified to offer multiple forms of sedation. To learn more about how he and our team may be able to serve you, contact our office at 916-961-190