Let’s say you’re experiencing a dental emergency and the dentist says you’ll need to have a tooth taken out. For most people, the need for emergency tooth extraction can fill them with apprehension. Is it going to be terribly painful? How much does it cost? Will I recover quickly? These are all valid questions, and in this article, the ins and outs of the procedure will be discussed, and you’ll learn what to anticipate when having a tooth removed.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure, Step by Step
Before anything begins, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to completely numb the area around the tooth. You might feel a small pinch or pressure during the injection, but this part is quick and manageable. If you’re especially anxious, your dentist may offer options like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to help you relax.
Once the area is numb, your dentist will gently loosen the tooth using a tool called an elevator. You might feel some pressure or movement, but you should not feel pain.
With the tooth loosened, forceps are used to remove it from the socket. The sensation here is often described as pressure – not sharp or intense, just a tugging feeling. Some extractions are simple and quick, while others (especially if the tooth is impacted or broken or has not penetrated the gums yet) may take a bit longer or require sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces. In some cases, a small incision may be necessary to access the tooth.
Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will clean the area and place gauze over the socket to help stop bleeding. You’ll be asked to bite down gently to help a clot form; this is an important part of healing.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most people are surprised by how little discomfort they feel during the procedure itself. The numbing agent works effectively, so you may feel pressure, movement, or a bit of pulling, but not pain.
After the anesthetic wears off, some soreness or swelling is normal, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Aftercare and Recovery
You’ll receive a list of instructions from your dentist to help with healing. This usually includes:
- Resting for the first 24 hours.
- Avoiding smoking, drinking through straws, or vigorous rinsing to prevent dry socket, a painful complication resulting from the clot coming off too soon.
- Eating soft foods.
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
Healing typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
In the end, you may find that tooth extraction was the least uncomfortable part of your emergency situation. Thanks to modern medicine and the availability of options like sedation dentistry, having a tooth removed is really nothing to fret. Though it may be the last solution the dentist turns to, it is a common procedure performed in countless offices every day. You have nothing to worry about!
About the Practice
Our expert team at NeoSmile Dental Care in Ambler can handle your tooth extraction with the care, compassion, and expertise that our office is known for! With the convenience of early morning and evening hours during the week, you can count on us knowing we’ll be there for you in a dire situation. To schedule your appointment, visit us online or call our office at (215) 643-5220.
