How Painful is Tooth Extraction?

Jul 19, 2021

If your dentist just told you that to have a tooth pulled, you may be worried that the procedure is going to be extremely painful. While tooth extraction is certainly not the most pleasant experience, it isn’t the most painful either.
 
There are things you and your dentist can do to reduce the pain during and after the tooth removal procedure.

How Painful is Tooth Extraction?

The primary goal of tooth extraction is to ease the pain that’s being caused by a problematic tooth. Most teeth have to be removed due to trauma, disease, or infection, so the procedure usually relieves the pain the patient is already experiencing.

Many patients worry that they will feel the dentist cutting into their gums and yanking the tooth out of its socket. Thanks to anesthesia, you won’t feel any pain during your surgery if it is administered properly.

You can receive local anesthesia that numbs the extraction area, or you can be sedated with general anesthesia. The dentist will gently remove your tooth from its socket using surgical forceps and a tooth elevator.

After the surgery, you may experience some pain. Tylenol or prescription pain killers can be prescribed to help you manage this discomfort. Your dentist may also advise you to place ice on your cheek, use a warm compress, and get lots of rest to ease any post-extraction pain.

When is Molar Extraction the Best Option?

If your tooth is badly decayed or damaged, having it extracted will prevent it from becoming infected and damaging your healthy teeth.

Infections are sometimes cured with the root canal procedure, but extraction is necessary if the infection is severe. If periodontal disease has caused an adult tooth to become loose, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent it from becoming infected. Trauma from an injury may crack a tooth to the point where it cannot be repaired by a dentist.

Teeth that are causing crowding usually have to be removed to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.

Recovering From Having Your Tooth Pulled

Taking care of your oral hygiene and following your dentist’s instructions will help you heal faster. You should take antibiotics if your dentist prescribed them and practice regular brushing and flossing.

Be sure to take all the necessary precautions to prevent dry socket after having a tooth pulled. Avoid smoking, eating hard or sticky foods, and drinking through a straw until your wound has healed.

Taking these steps will prevent your wound from becoming infected and causing more pain.

Emergency Tooth Extraction Services in Phoenix

Getting an emergency tooth extraction can be painful, but in some cases, it’s the best treatment option to preserve your oral health and avoid further pain and infection.

If you need an emergency tooth extraction in Phoenix who can perform an extraction, we are here to help.

Call us today to discuss your symptoms and find out if an emergency tooth extraction could help relieve your symptoms. We are open during the week and on Sundays to help patients who need urgent dental care on the weekends.