A Gentle Guide to What a Tooth Extraction Feels Like

If you have a tooth extraction coming up, then you may be worried about what it’ll feel like. It’s normal to be anxious about anticipated pain, but this treatment will help get rid of severe damage, decay, or infection that’s causing trouble for your oral health. Not only that, but your dentist will work to make sure each step of the procedure is as easy as possible. Here’s how and what you can expect throughout.

Step #1: Assessing the Situation

Before you can get a tooth removed, your dentist will make sure there are no other options to fix the problem. It’s their goal to save as much of the natural structure as possible, so this procedure is a last resort. Through an examination and X-rays, they’ll ensure that getting it pulled will be best for your oral health in the long run.

Step #2: Numbing Your Mouth and Sedation

Although an extraction may be the last thing you want, your dentist will prioritize your comfort throughout. They do this by numbing your mouth with local anesthesia and offering conscious sedation. These help reduce any pain you may feel and allow you to be a bit more relaxed. They’ll take several minutes to kick in, so you’ll let your dentist know when they do; that way, they can start when you’re ready.

Step #3: Removing the Tooth

Your provider will then use special instruments that put controlled, gentle pressure on the affected tooth. Using them, they’ll rock the structure back and forth. This helps reduce any interruption to the surrounding tissues. Once it’s loose enough, they’ll use forceps to wiggle it out of place. That’s it! Throughout this, you shouldn’t feel severe discomfort, but many patients say they experience pressure instead.

For some, their tooth is impacted. There are a couple of extra steps when this is the case, but they shouldn’t be painful because you were numbed. Your dentist will first make small incisions to expose the tooth underneath the gums. They’ll take it out in pieces and stitch the gums closed afterward.

Step #4: Recovery After Your Procedure

Immediately after your procedure, you may not feel much. Your mouth will still be numb because of the powerful anesthesia, so it’ll take a couple of hours to wear off. As it does, you may notice some soreness. This is entirely normal, but you can get relief with pain relievers or prescribed medication.

Follow your dentist’s post-op instructions, like eating soft foods and using an ice pack, and you can have a smooth recovery. That way, you are confident knowing you have had an easy treatment that bettered your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. George Philip earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He now has over two decades of experience that he uses to give the Sunnyvale community the expert care they deserve. Dr. Philip tries his best to save your natural teeth, but offers extractions when necessary to preserve your smile.

By offering sedation and using state-of-the-art technology, you benefit from more effective and efficient treatment. If you want to know how he can make your visit easier, schedule an appointment or call his office at (972) 285-6144.