If you’re going to get a tooth extraction, you may feel a bit nervous. That’s only natural – it isn’t every day that someone pulls one of your teeth. In particular, you might fear the upcoming treatment will hurt. You’re likely asking yourself, “What does a tooth extraction feel like?” Well, you can rest easy; a local Goodlettsville dentist can answer that question. With that said, read on to learn how tooth extraction works, what it feels like, and what to expect after it.
How a Tooth Extraction Works
Regardless of type, actual tooth extraction follows a standard set of steps. They are the following:
- Exposure of the Tooth: For a simple extraction, the dentist will see the affected tooth’s crown above the gumline. In contrast, a surgical extraction will make a gum incision to make the problem tooth visible.
- Extraction: The dentist will use forceps and elevators to remove the tooth from its socket. In some cases, bone fragments or spurts may need removal as well.
- Closing the Space: After the tooth is extracted, the dentist will clean the area and stitch up the gum tissue to prevent later infection.
- Control the Bleeding: Once done cleaning, the dentist will place gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down on it. Doing so will control post-treatment bleeding.
What Tooth Extraction Feels Like
Thankfully, tooth extraction is a painless procedure. Dentists and their teams make it as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The simple fact is that dentists numb your mouth before extraction work. Namely, they apply an anesthetic that keeps your teeth, gums, and bone tissue from sensing pain. The result is an extraction process without any aches or pains. At most, you’ll only feel the ‘bite’ of the needle when given the anesthetic injection.
What To Expect After Treatment
Granted, the odds are you’ll feel sore after the extraction. Your mouth will need time to heal and recover from it. Still, this ache is temporary and fades after a few rest days.
Even so, there are ways to speed up post-extraction recovery. These include the following tips:
- Take painkillers and other medications as prescribed. They’ll dull your soreness once the anesthesia wears off.
- Only eat soft foods the day after your extraction — soup, yogurt, applesauce, etc. Once the treatment area heals enough, you can reintroduce solid items.
- Avoid the extraction site when brushing or flossing for at least a few days.
- Starting the day after the extraction, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
The question “What does a tooth extraction feel like?” has a satisfying answer: a painless wait that’s nothing worth fearing. Therefore, book your treatment soon to get crucial dental care!
About the Practice
Goodlettsville Smiles is based in Goodlettsville, TN. Led by Dr. Deidra L. McClain, our practice strives for compassionate and comprehensive dentistry. As such, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, not to mention dental emergency care. Regarding the latter, our procedures even include options like root canal therapy and tooth extractions. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (615)-819-1644.