There’s a reason why people talk about pulling teeth when doing something they don’t enjoy. The idea of tooth extraction procedures sounds like an unpleasant process. Does tooth extraction hurt? While this is a difficult question, the truth is that the actual procedure is a painless process, thanks to advances in modern technology.
How does tooth extraction work?
For many who wonder about the details of the tooth extraction procedure, understanding each step is important. It’s not uncommon for patients to need to know the process before agreeing to tooth extraction.
There are several medically necessary reasons for getting a tooth removed. Third molars, more commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, can cause pain and discomfort if they are impacted or partially impacted. Partially impacted wisdom teeth can trap food particles and bacteria which can cause nearby teeth to decay. Wisdom teeth that are not growing in correctly can force other teeth to shift. Most dentists advise their patients to undergo a tooth extraction procedure to prevent some of these common issues.
Other teeth become loose because of decay, gum disease, or injury. These may need to be extracted if they are causing issues to the surrounding teeth, or discomfort. Infected teeth also need to be extracted, although many can be saved with a root canal.
Your dentist will take significant measures to ensure your questions are answered and that you understand the extraction process. At Toothsome, making our patients feel comfortable before the procedure is a priority.
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple extractions and impacted extractions. Simple entails a very straightforward removal where the tooth is pulled from its socket. An impacted extraction is trickier, requiring surgical exposure of the gum and bone to remove the tooth.
Problems you can avoid by removing your wisdom teeth
Whatever pain you could potentially feel from your wisdom teeth procedure, it doesn’t compare to the pain that arises from complications that can be avoided by a tooth extraction procedure. The benefits far outweigh the costs.
- Wisdom teeth become easily infected. Wisdom teeth are sometimes challenging to clean properly, meaning it is much easier for bacteria to infect them. Infection is often quite painful and can spread to other teeth or your gums.
- Wisdom teeth can disrupt the alignment of your teeth. A misaligned wisdom tooth can crowd adjacent teeth by pushing up against them. This can cause a chain reaction of misalignment as crowded teeth are pushed and then begin to crowd more teeth. Misalignment can also result in more serious issues. If a tooth is growing the wrong way, it can damage adjacent teeth.
Signs your wisdom teeth need to be removed urgently
Common discomfort is reason enough to get your wisdom teeth extracted, but some signs stress urgency more than others.
If you are experiencing swelling in the gums and discomfort, this is a sign that your wisdom teeth may be agitating the area or have possibly become infected. Bleeding in the wisdom teeth area is another warning sign.
Your wisdom teeth could be the culprit if a gross taste or scent is coming from the back of your mouth. Food can get caught in between your wisdom teeth and your gum tissue easily if they have not developed right causing extreme rotting right by your teeth and gums, which could result in infection.
How much does the actual procedure hurt?
In the past, tooth extraction was a very rudimentary process; however, today the procedure is painless. Local Anaesthesia is always provided for any tooth removal, and for this particular tooth extraction procedure, you will have the choice between three kinds.
- Local anaesthesia stops the pain at the area in and around your wisdom tooth or teeth.
- Twilight sedation is an anaesthetic technique that involves a type of sedation that induces anxiety relief and anterograde amnesia, which means you may not be able to remember the details of your procedure. Patients will be able to respond to verbal cues.
- General anaesthesia uses a combination of medications to render you completely unaware.
The most pain associated with wisdom teeth procedures is generally involving the aftermath. It is common to experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure, and you may have to chew more carefully for a week or two. Your dentist can prescribe medication for the pain if necessary. Your dentist will also explain to you how to avoid dry sockets which can be painful.
Conclusion
Tooth extraction can be stressful to think about, but it doesn’t have to be. At Toothsome, you can rest easy knowing you will be in exceptionally qualified hands. Your procedure, whether a simple or surgical tooth extraction will be as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Contact us on (02) 8203 8786 for Chatswood, (02) 9158 6637 for Baulkham Hills, and (02) 9159 3728 for Sydney.
