Sedation Clinics
Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures, yet the thought of having a tooth pulled can be anxiety-inducing for many people. One of the biggest concerns patients have is, “What does it actually feel like?” With modern dentistry techniques and effective anesthesia, the procedure is generally far less painful and traumatic than people expect. Here’s a breakdown of what you can realistically expect before, during, and after a tooth extraction.
Before the Extraction: Numbing the Area
Before the dentist begins the extraction, they will thoroughly numb the area with a local anesthetic. This is usually done with a few injections into the gum around the tooth. The injections may cause a brief pinching or stinging sensation, but the discomfort is typically mild and short-lived.
Once the anesthetic takes effect – usually within a few minutes – you won’t feel any pain in the extraction area. You will, however, still feel pressure, movement, and possibly some mild tugging or pulling sensations. But pain? That should be completely blocked.
During the Extraction: Pressure, Not Pain
The most common feeling during a tooth extraction is pressure. The dentist will use special tools to loosen and remove the tooth. You might feel the tooth rock back and forth or sense the pressure of the dentist’s hand, but it won’t hurt.
Some people describe the feeling as “strange” or “odd” because it’s unlike anything else you typically experience. If the tooth is impacted or difficult to remove, the dentist may need to cut into the gum or even section the tooth into smaller pieces. Again, thanks to anesthesia, you won’t feel pain – just more pressure and perhaps some mild vibration or sound, especially if dental tools are used.
If you do feel pain during the procedure, it’s important to let your dentist know immediately. They can administer more anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable.
After the Extraction: Soreness and Recovery
Once the numbness wears off a few hours after the procedure, it’s normal to experience some soreness or discomfort at the extraction site. This is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication if needed.
You might also experience:
- Mild swelling or bruising.
- Slight bleeding for the first few hours.
- Jaw stiffness.
- A feeling of an empty socket in your mouth.
These symptoms usually subside within a few days. It’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to avoid complications such as dry socket, which occurs when the protective blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site. This can cause more intense pain and delay healing.
Tooth extraction sounds daunting, but the actual experience is typically much more comfortable than most people imagine. Thanks to effective numbing techniques, the procedure itself is virtually painless, and the recovery period is generally smooth with proper care.
About the Practice
Nervous about an upcoming tooth extraction? No need to worry! At Dental Wellness of Lexington, your comfort is our first priority. We have multiple types of sedation available if you’re especially anxious about the procedure. Our team also offers state-of-the-art tooth replacements to fill the void. Ready to schedule your appointment? Call us at (859) 223-4644 or visit our website.