Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?
Answering the question “is a tooth extraction painful?” depends on a few factors. The severity of the situation and the recovery process are 2 of these factors. Seeing a skillful dental professional and using well-practiced pain management skills will most certainly help.
This article will outline the factors that influence the pain you might feel, how to manage that pain, and what you can do to make sure you minimize the pain as much as possible.
Table of Contents
Is a Tooth Extraction Painful? Factors That Have an Influence
Every tooth, every patient, and every condition calls for a unique treatment plan. So, will a tooth extraction hurt? That depends on several factors. Elements that impact tooth extraction pain are:
- Infection: Having an infection present may make your body work harder to heal the site. An infection can also put more pressure on the gum tissue and ligaments surrounding the tooth before extraction.
- A Baby Tooth vs An Adult Tooth: Primary teeth (baby teeth) are easier to extract and heal faster than adult teeth. Baby teeth are smaller in overall size and have smaller roots, involving less bone and gum tissue.
- Gum Disease: Swollen gums can be very sensitive. Gingivitis is an infection in the gum tissue. Irritated gums before an extraction can cause increased sensitivity after surgery and more overall pain.
- Location of Tooth: The location of the tooth can impact the pain as well. If a tooth is fully impacted and not above the gum line, it takes more work to surgically go into the bone to remove it. This can add to the healing time.
Our Guide to Tooth Extractions can help you better understand the stages of healing.
How Long Should a Tooth Extraction Hurt: Pain Managment
Your dental professional will help in easing any concerns about how long should a tooth extraction hurt. Pain management is a part of your personal treatment plan. It’s important to express any concerns prior to surgery with your dental professional.
Is a tooth extraction painful? It certainly can be. But here are some things to think about throughout the tooth extraction process that can help with pain management:
Before Surgery
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if an infection is present in your mouth prior to your appointment. If you have any dental anxiety before the day of surgery, consult your dentist/doctor.
Your dental professional can prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication like Diazepam, or Valium. If necessary, this will help ease any worries that are centered around the question of will a tooth extraction hurt.
During Sugery
Anesthesia is used in every dental extraction case. The type of anesthetic used depends on the extraction type, the patient, and the doctor. Does tooth extraction hurt with anesthesia? Here are some facts about anesthesia and the other sedatives that might be used during surgery:
- Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth and the nerves leading to the tooth.
- Nitrous Oxide is a sedative that is commonly used to help relax the patient during dental treatment. It provides no “hangover” after-effects and allows patients to drive home safely.
- Deep Sedation, as in IV sedation, is a stronger type of anesthesia that allows the patient to be unaware of the procedure. The patient will need someone to transport them home.
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After Surgery
The local anesthetic used during surgery will last a few hours after the treatment is completed. It’s important to use any prescribed medication as directed by your dental professional.
NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and Tylenol, are proven to be more effective than opioids in acute pain surgeries like dental extractions. To learn more, check out one of the many studies here.
Our Tooth Extraction Healing Stages helps break down the steps after surgery.
Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt After? How to Minimize the Pain
Your dental professional will help set you up for success during the consultation appointment prior to dental surgery. When debating “is a tooth extraction painful”, remember these simple and effective pain relief strategies:
- Great brushing and flossing before surgery will keep your gum tissue in the best shape.
- Cold compresses after surgery can help with pain and swelling.
- Eating only soft foods will help avoid added tooth pressure and promote muscle relaxation.
- Avoiding any foods that will irritate the surgical site like nuts and seeds or spicy and acidic foods.
- After 24-48 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water and let it drip out into the sink.
- No straws, suction, or smoking for at least 72 hours to avoid dry sockets.
For more tips on how to care for your mouth after a tooth extraction, check out our After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Care Guide.
Answering the question of is a tooth extraction painful will depend on your specific situation. Follow the pain management tips we’ve outlined above and you’ll have a much easier time healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tooth extraction painful?
Tooth extractions will always come with some discomfort. Pain levels are measured with individual parameters. With the help of your dental professional and our tips here, minimizing pain is easily achievable.
How long does it take to get a tooth pulled?
A simple extraction, an erupted tooth above the gum line, can be completed in 10-30 minutes. A surgical extraction, a tooth that is under the bone and gum tissue, can be completed in 20-50 minutes. Anesthesia and the type that is used also will take up some time in the appointment. If using sedation anesthesia, patient recovery time needs to be taken into consideration.
Is tooth extraction painful without anestheisa?
Extracting a tooth is painful without any anesthesia. The only occasion that losing a tooth without any anesthesia is an exfoliating baby tooth that is ready to fall out.
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