Getting a tooth pulled is a pretty common experience. In fact, around 74% of adults in the UK have had a tooth extraction.
But if you’re facing a tooth extraction, you might be wondering: do teeth extractions hurt?
It’s understandable to feel anxious about dental procedures, especially when the word “extraction” is involved. The good news is that while pain perception is different for everyone, dental professionals have several ways to minimize discomfort during a tooth extraction.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of anesthesia used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. We’ll also discuss what to expect after the extraction, including potential side effects and how to manage any post-extraction pain. Finally, we’ll give you some tips for faster healing, so you can get back to feeling yourself as quickly as possible.
Types of Anesthesia During Tooth Extraction
The amount of discomfort you feel during a tooth extraction will depend, in large part, on the type of anesthesia your dentist uses to keep you comfortable. Here are the main types of anesthesia used during tooth extractions:
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia numbs the area right around the tooth that’s being extracted. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain.
Local anesthesia is a good option for simple extractions because it’s effective and it doesn’t require as much recovery time as other types of anesthesia.
Sedation Anesthesia
Sedation can help reduce your anxiety and make you more comfortable during the procedure. There are a few different levels of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): This offers mild pain relief and reduces anxiety.
- Oral sedation: This provides stronger pain relief and is often given as a pill. If you choose oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
Sedation can reduce anxiety and discomfort. It may also make you feel drowsy or lightheaded.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia renders you unconscious. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
General anesthesia is often used for more complex surgical extractions, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth. It requires careful monitoring, and you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward due to the extended recovery time.
Pain After a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are common, but how much pain should you expect afterward, and how long will it last?
How Long Does Tooth Extraction Pain Last?
Most people find that their pain begins to subside within a week after the procedure. In one study, about 65% of participants reported that they had no pain at all seven days after their surgery.
Of course, everyone’s different, and pain levels will vary from person to person. Some people have minimal discomfort, while others may need to manage their pain with medication. In the study mentioned above, more than half of the participants needed pain medication during that first week after the extraction.
It’s also worth noting that a small percentage of people — less than 1% — continue to have severe pain a full week after the extraction.
What Should I Expect in the Weeks Following a Tooth Extraction?
The first step toward healing is the formation of a blood clot in the socket where the tooth used to be. Over the next several weeks, new tissue will gradually regenerate in the area.
One possible complication is a painful condition called “dry socket,” which happens if the blood clot doesn’t form correctly or gets dislodged. Another possible complication is an infection, which would require medical treatment.
To avoid complications and help your mouth heal properly, it’s essential to carefully follow all of your dentist’s post-operative instructions.
Pain and side effects of tooth extraction
While you shouldn’t feel pain during the extraction itself, you’ll likely experience some discomfort in the days afterward. Here’s what you might expect:
Common side effects
- Throbbing pain at the extraction site. This is caused by inflammation as your body begins to heal. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can usually manage this.
- A blocked ear or ear pain. This is referred pain, meaning the pain originates in your jaw but is felt in your ear.
- Bad breath. This is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth and the natural healing process. Good oral hygiene can help.
- Eye pain. Similar to ear pain, this is often referred pain.
- Sinus pain. This is more common after upper tooth extractions due to the proximity of the sinuses.
- Nausea. This could be a side effect of the pain medication or anesthesia used during the procedure.
- Sore jaw, throat, or neck. This is usually due to muscle strain from holding your mouth open during the extraction.
When to seek professional advice
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent, severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication
- Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, or pus at the extraction site
- Excessive bleeding
- Symptoms of dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged
Risk of complications
Fortunately, complications after a tooth extraction are relatively rare. About 5% of people experience some kind of complication, with the rate rising to about 7% for wisdom teeth extractions. Wound infections occur in about 2% of people.
How to heal faster after a tooth extraction
To make sure you recover quickly after a tooth extraction, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. Here are some things you can do:
- Rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm salt water about four times a day, starting 24 hours after your extraction.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke for at least a day after your procedure.
- Brush your teeth gently, but be careful around the extraction site.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.
- Bite down on a clean gauze pad for about 15 minutes to control any bleeding.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get lots of rest.
Closing Thoughts
Having a tooth pulled doesn’t have to be a painful experience. Thanks to local anesthetics and other pain management techniques, you shouldn’t feel much, if anything, during the procedure itself.
Choosing the right kind of anesthesia is important, and so is having a plan to manage any pain and side effects after the extraction. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions closely will help you heal quickly and minimize the chance of complications.
If you need a tooth extraction, talk with your dentist about any concerns you have. Together, you can develop a plan to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. And be sure to contact your dentist right away if you experience any unexpected problems after your tooth is pulled.