Will you soon need to undergo one or more tooth extractions? Without a doubt, the prospect may be intimidating, particularly if dental procedures stir up some anxiety in you. But there is no need to worry. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how easy their treatment is. What exactly does a tooth extraction feel like? This blog post provides an overview of what you are likely to experience.
Patient Comfort Is a Priority
By and large, dentists are empathetic people. The last thing they want to do is cause their patients pain. That is why one of the first things to happen during your appointment will be the numbing of your mouth. You might feel an uncomfortable pinching or stinging sensation as the local anesthetic is injected, but the sensation should only last for a few moments.
Local anesthetic prevents you from feeling pain. However, it will not block out all sensations, so you may experience some mild pressure during your treatment.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
There are a couple different types of tooth extractions. Simple extractions are the most common; they are for teeth that have fully erupted from the gumline. During this procedure, your dentist uses a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Then, they grip it with forceps and rock it back and forth to break the tissues that are holding it in place.
A simple extraction is usually fairly quick and causes minimal discomfort. Be sure to communicate with your dental team about what you are feeling so they can take extra steps to accommodate your needs if possible.
Surgical extractions performed by specialists take longer and are more complex. They are often reserved for impacted teeth (teeth that are stuck beneath the gumline). They might require that a tooth be broken into pieces or that incisions be made in the gums. Again, you can expect to be relatively comfortable throughout the procedure.
You Can Expect Some Bleeding and Soreness
Once your tooth is out of your mouth, your dentist will clean its socket and place sutures if the situation calls for it. You may experience some mild intermittent bleeding in the hours after your appointment.
After your local anesthetic wears off, you can expect your mouth to be sore and swollen. Such issues are usually easy to manage with mild painkillers and other simple measures. Most people are fully recovered within 7 – 10 days or so. If you experience any severe pain or other unusual symptoms during your recovery, let your dentist know right away.
The prospect of getting a tooth removed can be a little scary — but you can trust your dental team to do all they can to make the experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
Meet the Practice
The highly skilled experts at Aveni Dental Professionals offer a range of treatments, including tooth extractions, in a comfortable and modern environment. If you have questions about what to expect during any procedure, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Plymouth dental office at 508-746-1918.