Do Surgical Tooth Extractions Really Hurt?

As a patient, hearing the words ‘tooth extraction’’ can be frightening, without even hearing the word ‘surgical.’ We often find that this is the main treatment that our patients are the most worried about. At Chesterfield Dentistry we always do our best to save a tooth, but sometimes when there is just too much damage for us to repair, then an extraction may be planned to preserve your dental health. Generally most of our teeth are easy to remove but occasionally it may require a more invasive approach. So the question is, if needed, what is involved and does the surgical removal of a tooth hurt?

What is a surgical extraction?

There are two ways Dr Akinwande will remove a tooth if needed. These are:

• Simple Extraction
• Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a slightly more complicated procedure and means that surgical access is required. This is may be carried out if the tooth is not easily accessible, or for teeth with long, fragile, or multiple curved roots. Surgical extraction can sometimes include wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth commonly pose a problem, because due to lack of space they sometimes erupt at an angle, or get stuck and become impacted which can make it become more difficult than a simple extraction. Dr Akinwande will make a small incision to your gum to remove the tooth, and this can also include sectioning the tooth into two or more pieces, making it easier to manipulate and remove each part individually with less force. The incision will be closed with stitches. We can usually determine whether a tooth will be a simple extraction or require a surgical approach before treatment is scheduled.

Does the procedure hurt?

No, despite what you may have imagined, you having nothing to worry about. Having a tooth extracted, whether surgically or not, should not hurt. Usually you’ll feel a slight pinch as the area is numbed using anesthetic, then after this you will not be able to feel the procedure. Dr Akinwande will always test the area and surrounding gums before starting treatment in order to check you have no sensation and are completely numb. Once the extraction begins you may a feel slight pressure and pulling sensation back and forth but other than this, you shouldn’t feel any pain.

What happens after the extraction?

Regardless of whether you’ve experienced a simple or a surgical tooth extraction at Chesterfield Dentistry you must follow our post-extraction instructions to make sure you avoid any unnecessary complications. Dr Akinwande and the team will discuss these with you but will also provide you with a written copy as it can be a lot to take in immediately after treatment. The main points to include are:

• Bite down on a gauze pad for at least 30 minutes to stop bleeding and help the clotting process
• Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours
• Give yourself gentle salt mouth washes, starting 24 hours after surgery…and most importantly
• Do not smoke or do strenuous activity

Here at Chesterfield, tooth extraction is nothing to worry about and once you’re healed, we can later discuss options to restore the gap for better appearance and function if necessary. Remember prevention is better than cure! So be sure to book in with us at Chesterfield Dentistry for a dental check-up every 6 months. Contact us on (314) 469 6429