There are many reasons why someone would need an emergency tooth extraction. Decay, damage, or an infection may be severe enough that the natural dental structure cannot be saved. Instead, removing it can help preserve your oral health and protect your mouth from further harm. However, you may be nervous about getting this treatment if you don’t know what to expect, so here is a step-by-step guide on how it may feel.
Step #1: Oral Assessment
Your dentist will first make sure an extraction is the best course of action. They will want to exhaust all other choices beforehand, so a thorough oral examination and X-rays are done. They’ll see the extent of the issue and then offer their recommendation. In many cases, you may get another treatment, but getting a tooth pulled may be the reality for some patients.
Step #2: Local Anesthesia & Sedation
While you may not be excited about an extraction, your dentist is here to make it a comfortable and easy process. They do this by first getting your mouth numbed and offering conscious sedation, which helps you relax. It can take a short bit for both to kick in, so you’ll sit in the chair for several minutes until you start to feel their effects. Once you give your provider a thumbs-up, the actual procedure part will start.
Step #3: Extracting the Tooth
Using special tools, your dentist will apply a gentle and controlled pressure to your tooth. They will rock it back and forth, ensuring there is minimal interruption to the tissues around it. Once it comes out, then forceps can help wiggle it out of place, and you’re all done! The thought of it may sound painful, but you shouldn’t feel severe discomfort. You may notice some pressure instead.
If your tooth is impacted, then the process looks a bit different. It’ll still be simple, but just a few steps beforehand. For instance, small incisions will be made on your gums to expose the tooth. Then, it’ll get taken out piece by piece, then stitched closed when it’s all out! This shouldn’t hurt any more compared to the extraction above, but just some pressure as well.
Step #4: Your Recovery
Right after your treatment, you may not feel much, if any, pain. The anesthesia will still be in effect, and it’ll wear off after a couple of hours. When it does, you’ll start to feel sore, but you should be able to manage it with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
You should also stick to eating soft foods to give your mouth a break from crunchy or hard options. Use an ice pack along with the two things above, and you can have a smooth recovery knowing you made the right decision for your oral health in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. With over 500 hours of continuing education and more than a decade of experience, he is happy to offer the San Antonio community high-quality care.
Dr. Patel and his team are here to give you relief from your dental emergencies, whether it’s with a tooth extraction or another treatment. By having same-day, weekend, and after-hours urgent visits open, he is happy to help you. If you want to know how he can help make extractions more comfortable for you, schedule an appointment or call his office at (210) 590-2736.