How Painful Is Surgical Extraction?
Surgical tooth extractions may sound intimidating, especially if you are not sure what to expect. This procedure is more complex than a simple extraction, and is often needed when a tooth is broken, impacted, or has not fully emerged from the gum line. Understanding the pain levels associated with surgical extractions can help make the experience less frightening and more manageable.
What Happens During a Surgical Extraction?
A surgical extraction involves removing a tooth that is not easily accessible and visible in the mouth. The process is more involved than a simple extraction, which typically can be done by your dentist in their own office. Surgical extractions are often done by oral surgeons because of the need for specialized tools and techniques. The practitioner needs to make a small incision in the gum to reach the tooth. Sometimes, they may need to remove some bone around the tooth or even cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to extract.
Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. In some cases, dentists will use sedation to help the patient feel more relaxed. The goal is to ensure that the patient does not feel any pain while the tooth is being removed.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
With modern techniques and anesthetics, the surgical extraction itself is not painful. The local anesthetic blocks pain, so most patients only feel pressure or movement while the dentist works on the tooth. Some people may feel some minor discomfort, but it should not be painful. For patients who are anxious or nervous, sedation or general anesthesia are options that can help to make the experience more tolerable.
Post Operative Pain
Pain usually begins once the anesthesia wears off, a few hours after the procedure. The level of pain can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and the individual’s pain tolerance. Most people describe the pain as a dull ache or throbbing near the extraction site. This pain is most intense during the first 24-48 hours and gradually decreases over the next few days.
Dentists often prescribe pain relievers to help manage the discomfort after surgery. Over the counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly recommended, as they help reduce both pain and inflammation. Following the post-operative care instructions about medication, rest, and caring for the extraction site can significantly reduce discomfort.
Speedy Recovery
There are several steps that patients can take to help manage pain and speed up the healing process after a surgical extraction. Applying an ice pack to the cheek near the extraction site can help reduce swelling and numb the area. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or chewy foods as they can irritate the extraction site and cause other complications. A soft food diet of scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc. is always recommended for a few days as these foods are high in nutrients and will not damage the healing tissues.
Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing infection, but it is crucial to be gentle around the extraction site. Dentists usually advise using a saltwater solution to rinse the area, keeping it clean without disturbing the healing process.
Conclusion
Surgical extractions may sound painful, but with proper anesthesia and pain management, the discomfort is usually manageable. Knowing what to expect during and after the procedure can help reduce anxieties and make the recovery smoother. By following the dentist’s aftercare instructions properly, most patients can recover from surgical extractions with minimal pain in a matter of days.