Does tooth extraction hurt: What to expect after the extraction

There are many ways to save teeth after an infection, damage, or decay. However, if the worst happens, we have no choice but to remove it. If a tooth that needs to be extracted is left untouched, it can spread the infection and decay, it can cause more pain, and can even cause bad breath. But, one might ask, does tooth extraction hurt? Here are what you can expect with tooth extraction.

What to expect during tooth extraction

Anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to the area where your troubled tooth is located. It may be localized, but sometimes, especially for kids who cannot keep still, general anesthesia is used. This will make them calm down and sometimes sleep during the procedure.

Extraction. If the tooth is already moving, it will be easier for the dentist to remove, only using a toothed forceps. However, if the infected tooth is impacted, cutting the gums to have the tooth exposed before pulling it needs to be done. There are also instances where big tooth or molars are broken to pieces because they are hard to pull out as a whole.

Stitches. A blood clot will cover the hole where the tooth was pulled out from. Your dentist can put a gauze dressing on the hole so the bleeding will stop. He can also put stitches to facilitate the closure of the gums. These sutures are oftentimes self-dissolving so there is no need for the dentist to remove it for you after a few days.

After the tooth extraction

• Does tooth extraction hurt? Yes, but it is supposedly tolerable. Your dentist will prescribe you with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication.
• You can put an icebag to the affected side of the face for pain relief and remedy for swelling since pain and swelling are common after-effects of tooth extraction.
• You will be advised to bite down on the cotton gauze to apply pressure to your wound and stop the bleeding.
• You will be advised to avoid speaking using your mouth since simple movements can cause it to bleed again.
• Spitting and gargling or rinsing forcefully are also prohibited. Clean your teeth carefully while avoiding your extraction site.

If after the tooth extraction you developed fever, pain, and pus formation on the extraction site, do not hesitate to consult your dentist as these may be signs of infection.