Are Tooth Extractions Painful?

Our teeth are the hardest substance in our body. So much so that they can withstand 5,600 pounds of pressure per square inch. You use them every day to bite, chew, and gnaw on things. The thought of pulling one out of its socket may make you a bit anxious. 

But is a tooth extraction painful? 

No, Tooth Extractions Are Not Painful

And you can thank modern dentistry for that. With anesthetics, you can rest assured that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. 

Here’s what a tooth extraction appointment looks like at Parklane Family Dentistry. 

Dr. Parul Vashisht examines your oral health and the affected tooth to determine whether extraction is the best course of action. We usually work very hard to preserve natural teeth and only recommend extractions as a last resort. 

If you are feeling extremely anxious, we also offer sedation options like laughing gas. The doctor will place a mask over your nose and you will start inhaling a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Immediately you will start feeling a deep sense of relaxation and euphoria. 

Once you are comfortable, Dr. Vashisht will inject a local anesthetic into the area around the tooth to numb it. After a few minutes, your tooth will be so numb that you will only feel a bit of pressure when the dentist pulls the tooth from its socket. 

What to Expect After Tooth Extraction 

While the tooth extraction procedure per se is painless, what follows after the anesthesia wears off can vary. Some patients report a dull ache, while others might experience a bit more discomfort. 

Don’t worry, the pain is usually mild or moderate and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. 

That said, the level of discomfort will be affected by the complexity of the procedure. If the extraction was straightforward, you can expect to feel some pain for about a day or so. But, if you had an impacted wisdom tooth, for example, that needed surgical intervention, you may be looking at 2-3 days of discomfort since the treatment was more invasive. 

How to Manage Post-Extraction Discomfort 

Here are some tips that can help you ease your discomfort and make recovery faster. 

• Take OTC pain medication like ibuprofen or any other med prescribed by your doctor to ease your pain. 
• Use a cold compress applied to your cheek to control swelling and pain. 
• Cold things can alleviate pain so treat yourself with a delicious ice cream. 
• Try to take the day off and rest. Your body needs time and help to heal. 
• Avoid any intense physical activities for a few days. Skip the gym and don’t carry heavy grocery bags. 
• Only eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the side of the extraction. 

Do You Think You May Need Tooth Extraction in Frisco, TX? 

At Parklane Family Dentistry we guarantee pain and stress-free dental treatment. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Parul Vashisht.