So, let’s say your dentist says you need a tooth extraction. You might be feeling worried or scared about the matter. After all, pulling a tooth can sound like a terrible and painful experience. You really shouldn’t be afraid, though; treatment shouldn’t cause you any pain. Thanks to modern dental tools and technology, in fact, your time in the dentist’s chair should be pretty smooth. To learn more, here’s a summary of what you’ll feel from a tooth extraction in Rockwall.
The Types of Tooth Extractions
Overall, there are two types of tooth extractions: simple ones and surgical ones.
A simple extraction occurs when a tooth is fully visible and sits above the gum line. As such, it uses an elevator tool first to loosen the pearly white. From there, the dentist switches to using forceps to remove the tooth.
On the other hand, surgical extractions are done for teeth that don’t fully erupt. Unlike simple ones, then, they make a small incision into the gum to make the problem tooth visible. Only after doing so can a dentist safely and effectively perform the removal.
What Does a Tooth Extraction Feel Like?
Regardless of type, all tooth extractions boil down to the same two steps. Namely, they’ll start by numbing your tooth, gums, and surrounding bone tissue with an anesthetic. Afterward, the dentist will extract your tooth using a combination of an elevator and forceps.
Neither of these steps should cause major discomfort. While you may feel the ‘bite’ of the needle when given the anesthetic injection, this sensation only lasts a split second. Otherwise, you’ll only experience pressure from your tooth getting rocked back and forth.
What Should You Expect from Aftercare?
Granted, you may feel discomfort following treatment. This sensation is a natural reaction, as your mouth will need time to recover from the extraction. Fortunately, though, this sensation will fade as you rest for a few days.
To further reduce pain and your risk of infection, you should also:
- Only eat soft foods the day after your extraction — items like soup, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, etc. You can slowly reintroduce solid fare as the treatment area heals.
- Remember to take painkillers and other medications as prescribed.
- Avoid the extraction site when you brush and floss.
- Twenty-four hours after treatment, rinse your mouth with a saltwater mixture.
As you can see, there’s nothing to fear from a tooth extraction in Rockwall. Therefore, go ahead and book the procedure with your local dentist — your oral health will thank you for it!
About the Author
From the time that Dr. Leeza Stein started her training at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, she has prioritized obtaining as much knowledge to help her patients, no matter their needs. As a result, she is familiar with many fields in dentistry, including endodontic (root canal treatment), Invisalign, and treatment planning, and she works with implant specialists in the area that have proven their excellence to ensure success for her patients. Would you like to discuss dental implants or other services with Dr. Stein? Contact LS Smiles online or call the Rockwall office at 972-771-2213 to schedule an appointment.