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A tooth extraction is likely one of the last things anyone wants to be told they need. Even thinking about it may make you wince, but it really is a last resort to save your oral health. Dental professionals try their best to save your natural teeth because of their durability and reliability.
However, this common procedure may be necessary to protect your smile from further harm in some cases. If you’re worried about how a tooth extraction feels, thankfully, modern numbing agents and technology have made the tooth removal process both quick and much more comfortable. When the time comes that you search “emergency tooth extractions near me,” here is what you can expect during the procedure.
Step 1: Examining the Tooth
The first step is to meet with your dentist to discuss whether the tooth needs to be removed. They will assess the severity of the damage or decay and then determine if any other options, such as restorative dental treatments, can save it. If an emergency tooth extraction is required, then they will schedule that with you as soon as possible to get you out of pain quickly.
Step 2: Numbing Your Tooth
To make you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure, your dentist will administer local anesthesia. This powerful medication helps completely numb the tooth being removed, as well as the surrounding area. The numbing doesn’t kick in right away, so your dentist will wait a little while before asking if you feel anything and are comfortable. When you give your dentist the thumbs up, then it’s time to start the procedure.
Step 3: Removal of the Tooth
If your tooth is partially erupted, your dentist will use a specialized tool to rock it with controlled pressure, loosening it gently. They will work patiently to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues. Next, they use forceps to gently wiggle the tooth for a clean extraction. Throughout the entire process, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort, just a bit of pressure as your dentist works!
If your tooth is impacted, or stuck below the gumline, it will need to be surgically removed. If this is the case, your dentist will make small incisions in the gums so that the tooth can be removed piece by piece. They then stitch up the removal site to help prevent infections.
Just like with a simple tooth extraction, you may feel some pressure during this part of the procedure, but it shouldn’t be outright pain.
Step 4: Post-Extraction Care
Once the procedure is over, your dentist will have you bite down gently on some gauze over the extraction site. You may need to keep it in place for around 30 to 45 minutes to allow the bleeding to stop. If it doesn’t, be sure to call your dentist.
As you recover, your dentist may prescribe pain relievers to help manage discomfort once the local anesthetic wears off. Following your dentist’s instructions on prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication will help provide some relief. You’ll feel sore for a few days, but using an ice pack and eating soft, cold foods can help minimize discomfort. Rinsing with warm saltwater as directed will help reduce swelling and keep bacteria at bay so you can heal faster.
Although tooth extractions can be unnerving, you can rest easy knowing that the closest thing you’ll feel is just a little bit of pressure in your mouth. Your dentist will do everything possible to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
About the Practice
At Laketown Family Dental, our goal is to preserve your oral health and make it the best it can be. We offer a wide range of emergency services, including tooth extractions. If your tooth is no longer salvageable, our skilled team will ensure your comfort with the help of powerful local anesthesia, years of experience, and sedation dentistry if necessary. If you have questions about what a tooth extraction feels like, please schedule an appointment or call us at (231) 737-2273.