Do you suspect that you will soon need to get a tooth removed? The prospect can be a little intimidating, especially if you have some anxiety surrounding dental procedures. There is no need to worry. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how easy the treatment is. What exactly does a tooth extraction feel like? Read on below to get a general overview of what you can expect.
Patient Comfort Is Important
The last thing your dentist wants to do is cause you pain. That is why one of the first things that will happen during your appointment is the numbing of your mouth. You may feel an uncomfortable pinching sensation as the local anesthesia is injected, but the sensation should pass quickly.
Also, keep in mind that many dental practices offer sedation. If you are not easily numbed by local anesthesia or you struggle with a degree of dental phobia, let your care team know. They may be able to provide medication that will help you stay calm and relaxed throughout your procedure.
There Are Different Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two basic categories of tooth extractions. During a simple extraction, your dentist grips a tooth with forceps and gently moves it back and forth in order to break the ligaments that are holding it in place. You might experience some pressure as this is done, but there should be no real pain.
A surgical extraction requires additional steps. For example, it might be necessary to create incisions in the gums or break a tooth into pieces. You may hear some strange noises and feel pressure in your mouth, but again, you should not have to worry about pain.
You Can Expect Some Bleeding and Soreness
After the tooth is out of your mouth, your dentist will clean out the socket and place sutures if necessary. There could be some bleeding that continues intermittently after your appointment; you will be given instructions on how to control it with gauze.
After your local anesthesia and sedation finish wearing off, you can expect some soreness and swelling at the extraction site. For most people, these issues are easy to manage with cold compresses, a reasonable diet, and over-the-counter pain medications. Severe discomfort is unusual and is a reason to call your dentist for guidance.
It is understandable if you are worried about your upcoming tooth extraction, but you can be sure that your dental team will do everything they can to help you have a positive experience.
Meet the Practice
Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield is home to a large team of dentists and specialists. We proudly offer simple tooth extractions, wisdom tooth extractions, and a range of other services. Sedation is available to help patients enjoy the most comfortable experience possible. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with our office at 860-263-0441.