Tooth extractions can be performed for a multitude of different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include damaged or loose teeth, crowding of teeth, and tooth erosion due to poor dental hygiene. Though the procedure can be uncomfortable, there are fortunately numbing medications that can be given to help reduce the pain and discomfort that is felt both during and immediately after a tooth extraction.
However, sensitivity and discomfort can still be present after a tooth extraction, especially once the pain medication has worn off. Fortunately, in most cases, recovery doesn’t take long and can be made even faster by doing a few simple things.
How Painful Is a Tooth Extraction
One of the biggest concerns most patients have is regarding how much a tooth extraction will actually hurt. If the thought of pain is making you anxious for your tooth extraction, don’t worry! Before a tooth extraction is even started, your dentist will provide a shot of numbing medication at and around the site of extraction to help significantly reduce any pain. Most patients experience practically no discomfort or very minor pain once the pain medication has set in.
In instances where a patient may have low tolerance to pain, a greater dose of numbing medication may be provided to make tooth extractions even more tolerable. However, after the procedure is done and the numbing medication slowly wears off, patients may experience some pain and discomfort which can be alleviated with general aftercare.
How Long Does Pain Last After Tooth Extraction
Most simple tooth extractions involving small, easily exposed teeth typically heal within a couple of days; with most pain dissipating within 72 hours. However, more complex extractions that require removal of tissue along the gum line or multiple teeth being extracted at the same time can leave holes that require multiple days or even months to fully close.
How Can I Make My Tooth Extraction Heal Faster
There are quite a few things you can do to both minimize pain and discomfort as much as possible while promoting faster healing. For example, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help prevent infection, reduce sensitivity of the gums, and promote recovery. Other things you can do include eating softer foods that prevent any unneeded stress to the gums, using an ice pack to help reduce swelling and redness of the face, and using soft bristled brushes when cleaning your teeth.
There are also things you should avoid such as drinking cold water, eating chewy or hard foods, and smoking cigarettes. All of these things can irritate an already inflamed gum, prevent clot formation at the site of your tooth extraction, and ultimately delay recovery.
If you notice though that your healing is taking much longer than anticipated or experience effects like severe swelling or heavy bleeding, be sure to contact your dentist in Wilmington MA.