Tooth Extraction Pain? Here’s How You Should Handle It

Are you in the schedule for a tooth extraction? Wondering about the pain during and after the procedure? The healing process may take some time, and tooth extraction pain could last for a bit. Before you let the best of tooth extraction pain get to you, you should know how to prevent it in the first place. Tooth extractions are not only for the sake of pulling off the tooth but also for preventing further damage and injuries. Extraction is often the dentists’ last resort as usually, they strive to find other ways to save a natural tooth. 

Continue reading to find answers to questions like when is a tooth extraction pain normal or how to prevent complications and tooth extraction pain.

 

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Also known as dental extraction, exodontia, or tooth pulling, this procedure is done for treating serious and irreparable cases. Tooth extractions involve removal of the teeth from the socket and in the alveolar or jaw bone. Tooth extractions could either be a simple extraction or a surgical one. The dentist would opt for the simple procedure when the tooth is visible in the gum line and has a higher chance of removing it in one piece. On the other hand, surgical removal involves the incision of some tissues like gum parts, bone or both. Most often, surgical extraction involves pulling the tooth piece by piece and would take a long time. 

 

When Is Tooth Extraction Advisable?

While permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, it might not be the case for everybody. Depending on the oral condition of people, a dentist could suggest pulling a tooth or two. Extraction happens when there are signs of the following:

Crowded Mouth

This happens when there is a mismatch on the size of the jaw and teeth. Malocclusion and crooked tooth appearance are only among the discomfort that the patients experience. Orthodontic is the most common treatment to straighten alignment and support normal dentition. To ensure success, professionals often perform an extraction before the orthodontics.

Infection

When tooth decay reaches the socket and the gums, bacteria could easily enter and cause pain, swelling or infection. In less severe cases, root canal therapy could remedy the situation. However, people with a compromised immune system and periodontal disease need an extraction to curb the spread of bacteria.   

Impacted Wisdom Tooth

One common procedure in dentistry is pulling off the wisdom tooth. This type of tooth erupts last. However, these are often associated with complications and pain. And dentists would often recommend a tooth extraction.

 

Tooth Extraction Pain

During the procedure, you might not feel a thing due to the effect of dental anaesthesia. Numbness may even be present hours after the surgery. But when it wears off, that is when the pain will begin to be noticeable and apparent. Normally after a tooth extraction, you will still have a little bit of pain in the area for one to three days. Also, tightness and stiffness may be present during the recovery and healing process. But when you feel like the pain is not receding after tooth extraction, it could be a problem. Some of which include:

• Dry Socket

When it is two to four days after the extraction and pain do not decline, you might have developed a dry socket. This event occurs when the blood clot formed in the extraction site gets dislodged. And without anything to cover the cavity walls, the jawbone underneath gets exposed. Pain and bad breath are common indications of this complication.  

• Phantom Pain

Atypical odontalgia is a condition where you feel throbbing or radiating pain at the extraction area even after you heal. However, there is no exact reason why this phenomenon happens. But it more likely has something to do with how the brain communicates with the nerve. The pain typically occurs where the tooth once was and could reach to wider areas. 

 

How To Manage Tooth Extraction Pain

Healing process should not take long when it comes to tooth extraction. Although pain, discomfort, and soreness are normal, there are numerous aftercare tips to hasten the recovery and healing process. Here are some pointers you can do after a tooth extraction

1. Take the prescribed painkillers
2. Leave the gauze for a few hours after the extraction
3. Apply an ice bag for every few minutes on the area
4. Take a rest from heavy work and extreme activities for the day
5. Prevent disrupting the area by staying away from solid food and straws
6. Avoid smoking
7. Maintain oral health practice while avoiding the extraction site

 

When To Call An Emergency Dentist For Tooth Extraction Pain

Even after the care tips and discomfort still does not subside, it is best to call for a professional examination right away. Besides, prolonged swelling and irritation may present more serious scenarios. You should contact an intervention immediately when you feel the following:

• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen glands on the neck
• Pus and redness around the extraction site
• Persistent inflammation in the mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains

 

The Bottomline

Tooth extraction may, at times, be basic and ordinary. But some conditions would warrant a major surgical extraction type. And with a more complicated process, countless factors may arise and impede cure. However, there is no need for panic since there are also numerous curative tricks and drugs available. The initial choice of where to trust your tooth extraction surgery and self-discipline are the most significant factors in preventing tooth extraction pain. Hence, it may be fearsome and terrible to hear, but there are numerous ways you could manage tooth extraction pain. Besides, there is always an emergency clinic that you can count on when things escalate rapidly.