How Painful is Surgical Extraction?
As a patient, you are hearing the words tooth extraction and might be frightened, without even hearing the word surgical. It is a common response to this treatment. Your dentist will always do their best to save a tooth, but sometimes if there is just too much damage to repair it, then an extraction will be planned in the best interest of your dental health. Usually, most teeth are easy to remove but sometimes it might require a more invasive approach. What is involved and does the surgical extraction of a tooth hurt?
What is a Surgical Extraction?
There are two ways your dentist will remove a tooth if needed. These are:
- A simple extraction.
- A surgical extraction.
A surgical extraction is slightly more complicated and means that surgical access is necessary. This is because the tooth is not easily accessible, under the gumline, or if it has long, fragile, or multiple curved roots. Surgical extraction often includes wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth often pose a problem, because of lack of space they will erupt at an angle, or get stuck altogether and become impacted which makes it more difficult than a simple extraction. Your dentist will make a small incision in your gum to remove the tooth, and this might also include sectioning the tooth into several pieces, making it possible to manipulate and remove each part with less force. The incision will then be closed with sutures. Your dentist can determine whether a tooth will be a simple extraction or need a surgical approach before any treatment is scheduled.
Does the Surgical Extraction Hurt?
Despite what you may have heard, there is no pain involved. Having a tooth extracted, whether simple or surgical, should not hurt. You will feel a slight pinch as the immediate area is numbed with an anesthetic, and then you will not be able to feel the procedure. Your dentist will always evaluate the area and surrounding gums before starting the procedure to make sure you have no sensation and are completely numb. Once the extraction begins you might feel some slight pressure and a pulling sensation, but other than this, you should not feel any pain.
What Happens After the Extraction?
Regardless of whether you have had a simple or a surgical tooth extraction, you must follow the post-extraction instructions to avoid any unnecessary complications. Your dental team will discuss these with you after your treatment. The main points are:
- To bite down on a gauze pad for 30 minutes to stop the bleeding and help the clotting process.
- Avoid any vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours.
- Give yourself gentle salt mouth washes, starting 24 hours after surgery.
- Do not smoke or participate in any strenuous activity.
A tooth extraction is nothing to worry about and once you have healed, your dentist will discuss your options to restore the gap for a healthy appearance and normal function. Remember that prevention is better than any cure. Continue with your oral hygiene habits at home and compliment your work with a dental check-up every 6 months.