Have you been told that you need to have a tooth extracted in order to protect your oral health? It’s normal to be somewhat nervous about this type of procedure, but you can rest assured that your dentist will make your comfort a priority from beginning to end. To help you alleviate your anxiety, here is a review of the tooth extraction process and what you’ll feel during each step.
Administering the Local Anesthetic
Before your dentist starts the process of actually removing the tooth, they will numb your mouth in order to prevent you from experiencing any discomfort. To do this, they will administer a local anesthetic to the treatment area. The effects should kick in after a few minutes. With this step, you won’t have to worry about pain once the extraction itself begins. If you’re particularly anxious, you may also receive some form of dental sedation, which will help you stay calm and relaxed in the dental chair.
Removing the Tooth
The method used to extract your tooth can vary depending on the circumstances. If the tooth has fully erupted in your mouth, it can be loosened with a dental elevator before it is gently taken out with forceps. On the other hand, a partially or fully impacted tooth will require surgery; this involves making an opening in the gums, and it can sometimes require removing a small amount of bone.
There shouldn’t be pain during your tooth extraction due to the local anesthetic. You may be able to feel a pulling sensation as the tooth is taken out of your mouth, but it shouldn’t outright hurt.
After the Procedure
Once the tooth has been successfully extracted, the socket it was removed from will be cleaned. If the gums were surgically opened, they will be sutured shut. A piece of gauze will be used to put a stop to any bleeding.
After a while, the local anesthetic will wear off. At this point, there may be some discomfort in your mouth; fortunately, you should be able to manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen. There may also be some swelling, so apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area if you need to.
Your post-extraction discomfort should gradually go away on its own. In the event that it persists longer than expected, you should call your dentist right away.
There’s no need to be afraid of having a tooth extraction performed. Your dentist and their team will always do everything they can to help you have an experience that’s as comfortable as possible.
About the Practice
Here at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford, we have been bringing high-quality dental care to the local community for decades. We’re fully dedicated to educating our patients and helping them make truly informed decisions about their smiles. We offer same-day emergency appointments and can perform tooth extractions when necessary. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (817) 594-3806.