Anyone who undergoes a tooth extraction can feel overwhelmed and anxious. Most of the time, it’s because of what you may “feel” after the extraction, which they claim to be painful and stressful.
Fortunately, that’s not always the case when you undergo a tooth extraction procedure.
With proper aftercare, you will be able to minimise discomfort and ensure you get a smooth healing process. Whether it’s a wisdom tooth, a decayed tooth, or a tooth causing alignment issues, managing the pain and following post-extraction tips are key to a swift recovery.
How Painful Is Teeth Extraction?
Being in the dental industry for many years, our clinic has come and gone with many basic and bizarre questions about a specific treatment—one common question patients have before a tooth extraction procedure is, “How painful is teeth extraction?”
Fortunately, times have changed, and gone are the days, where teeth extraction is usually associated with a dentist holding a pair of pliers to take off your tooth. Modern dentistry has made the process far more comfortable than it used to be.
During a typical extraction, a local anaesthetic will be administered that will numb the area—so, you’ll feel a little bit of pressure or no pain at all. We also experienced handling patients with dental anxiety. For them, sedation options are available to make the experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
The discomfort typically comes afterwards, once the anaesthesia wears off. The level of teeth extraction pain can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual pain tolerance.
Recovery Time for Teeth Extraction
There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long the recovery time could be when you undergo teeth extraction. Like any other dental procedure, the recovery time for teeth extraction varies depending on factors like age, overall health, and the complexity of the extraction.
Generally, initial healing takes about 1-2 weeks, during which soft tissue and bone begin to close over the extraction site. On the other hand, it may take several months to achieve the full healing of the bone.
The good thing is most people feel comfortable resuming their regular activities within just a few days after the extraction. The first few days are always the most crucial for avoiding complications and managing pain.
So, remember to follow your dentist’s instructions closely during this time, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you experience unexpected symptoms.
Tips to Minimise Pain and Promote Teeth Extraction Recovery
To say that a teeth extraction surgery is a success right after the procedure may not be exactly accurate. A successful teeth extraction is coupled with good post-surgery recovery practices as well, and this involves following your dentist’s instructions.
For us at Dentist Near Me Toongabbie, we make sure you’re given top-quality dental treatment paired with the best recovery practices to get your surgery site healed in no time.
Here are a few tips from our dentist that may help ease pain and prevent complications:
1. Take Pain Medication as Directed
Most of the time, our dentists would recommend or prescribe pain medication to help relieve the discomfort that often follows an extraction—whether it’s over-the-counter or prescribed. Be sure to take it as instructed by your dentist, ideally before the anaesthesia wears off, to get ahead of the pain.
One medication you must avoid taking is aspirin because this one can thin your blood.
2. Use Cold Compresses
Applying a cold compress to your cheek near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling. It may also help numb the area to ease the pain you’re feeling. This is especially helpful within the first 24 hours post-procedure.
3. Keep Your Head Elevated
Elevating your head while lying down can reduce blood flow to the extraction area, which will minimise the swelling and throbbing. When you’re about to sleep, use an extra pillow or prop your head slightly upright when you rest. This helps the blood circulate well throughout your mouth and other parts of your body.
If you lie flat, it can cause the blood to pool around the extraction site, which you do not want to happen because it may increase your discomfort and prolong healing time.
4. Avoid Disrupting the Blood Clot
As you’re about to start healing from your tooth extraction, a blood clot will naturally form over the extraction site, acting as a protective layer for the healing tissue beneath.
Because of that, it’s better to avoid any actions that could dislodge this clot, such as:
- Drinking through a straw
- Spitting forcefully
- Smoking
Why should that be done? When a blood clot is disrupted, it may lead to getting a dry socket, which is painful to deal with because it exposes the nerves underneath and delays your recovery from the extraction.
If you experience severe, worsening pain several days after extraction, it’s best to contact your dentist right away as it may indicate a dry socket.
5. Stick to Soft Foods and Avoid Hot or Spicy Foods
For the first few days, try to go on a soft food diet to minimise irritation around the extraction site. Foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and applesauce are tolerable and gentle on the mouth.
Hard foods may aggravate or disrupt the extraction site from healing, so make sure to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods for the time being. Also, avoid drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks, as these can interfere with the healing process.
6. Rinse Gently with Salt Water
After the first 24 hours, gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help keep the extraction site clean and reduce inflammation. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth without force.
Steer clear from using mouthwash at the moment. Its ingredients may be too harsh and abrasive on the extraction area, which may disrupt your recovery.
When Should You Call the Dentist?
Discomfort is normal and is part of the healing process after teeth extraction. However, if you feel one of these signs, it’s best to contact your dentist again to check your status:
- Intense pain that doesn’t improve after a few days
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with gauze
- Swelling that worsens after the initial 48 hours
- Pus or a foul smell from the extraction site, which may signal an infection
- Fever or chills, which could indicate an infection requiring antibiotics
Your Path to a Smooth Recovery
Proper care after teeth extraction can make a big difference in how quickly and comfortably you heal. So, make sure that when you’re already on your road to recovery, you take note of these tips on how to manage pain and, ultimately, your dentist’s instructions.
Remember, a teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that has come from years and years of improvement. In fact, many patients get their teeth extracted, and most of them have not encountered complications. And you may be one of them too!
Reach out to our dentists at Dentist Near Me Toongabbie where you’re given assistance from the moment you enter our clinic. Book your appointment today if you’re looking for dental professionals to do your dental extractions.
