How Painful is a Simple Extraction?
A simple extraction is a dental procedure which involves removing a tooth from its socket and jawbone. Tooth extractions are a very common dental procedure that as a last resort are necessary for the overall health of your mouth. Even though they are common, many people have a natural fear of them due to the fear of pain that it might entail. This article will explore more about what to expect with a tooth extraction and just how much it might hurt.
What is a simple extraction?
A simple extraction is a procedure performed on a tooth that involves removing the tooth. Dentists will always do everything they can to save a tooth, but when there are no other options, they will opt to remove it. A tooth needing removal is often caused by decay, disease, or damage to the tooth. A simple extraction is performed when a tooth is visible above the gum line and the dentist can access it. Unlike its counterpart, a surgical extraction, a simple extraction is minimally invasive and involves the use of local anesthesia to numb the area. Your dentist will numb the area and then use an elevator and forceps to wiggle the tooth until it comes out.
How much pain should I expect from a simple extraction?
In general, the pain associated with a simple extraction is very low. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, preventing you from feeling pain during the procedure. It is perfectly normal for patients to feel some pressure or movement during the procedure, but the anesthesia will prevent this from being painful.
There are several factors that can influence the amount of pain that follows a simple extraction, however. In general, pain and swelling from a simple extraction is minimal and typically only lasts 1-3 days after the procedure. It can be easily treated with at home remedies such as cold compresses, a saltwater rinse, or over the counter pain medication. The overall health of a patient as well as the care given to recovery practices will impact the recovery of a simple extraction, however. Following the procedure, your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for the extraction site. These typically include only eating soft, lukewarm food or drink for the first few days, as well as performing saltwater rinses to aid with the healing. In most patients, these practices will speed up the healing time and minimize pain. Patients who smoke, do not follow the recovery practices, or have other underlying health issues may experience longer or more painful recoveries from a simple extraction.
Although concern about how much a simple extraction may hurt is common, in most people it is unwarranted. Your dentist will do everything they can to minimize the pain and discomfort during the procedure. Then, by following simple straightforward recovery care practices, you can minimize the pain after. No one wants to have a tooth extracted, but if you find yourself in a position where you must have one removed, rest assured that it will be relatively pain free.