For many people, tooth extraction is a time of great anxiety and uncertainty. You’re in pain and not sure when it will end.
This article will provide information related to when should pain stop after tooth extraction, and what you can do before your gums completely heal.
What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is simply having your tooth pulled. It is a surgical procedure that involves removing one or more teeth from the mouth.
It is often necessary when tooth decay has progressed too far, or when your dentist suspects a tooth fracture.
What to Expect During an Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the surgical removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone
Numbness will be felt as a local anesthetic is administered in the area of the jaw where the tooth will be removed.
The tooth root, blood vessels, and nerves are severed, and the tooth is removed.
The gums are then closed using stitches or dental glue, and a bandage is placed over the area to protect it.
Why would I need a tooth extraction?
There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted, including severe decay, gum disease, trauma, or the failure of a root canal treatment.
If the tooth is severely decayed or cracked, root canal treatment or dental implant is not possible and extraction may be recommended instead.
To reduce the risk of pain following extraction, your dentist will generally remove all or most of the tooth pulp before extracting the tooth.
How long does the pain last after tooth extraction?
After extraction, you will probably feel some pain once the numbing medication has worn off, you will probably feel some pain.
However, your dentist will prescribe pain medicine to take away the worst of the pain.
When does the pain go away after tooth extraction?
The pain of tooth extraction will stay with you for about two days, but after that, it is common to experience some pain after that.
How long to heal after tooth extraction?
After a couple of days, you will be able to eat soft foods and return to normal activities. Most people return to work the day after their extraction.
The discomfort following a tooth extraction is usually minimal, and most people return to normal activity within three days of having a tooth removed.
How long does it take gums to heal after extraction?
Following your extraction, it will take about six weeks for the gum to heal completely.
It is important not to disturb the wound after the extraction, as this can cause discomfort.
How can I reduce tooth extraction pain?
During your recovery time, your dentist will prescribe pain medication that you can take immediately following the extraction.
In addition to this, there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce discomfort after tooth extraction.
- Avoid hot food or drinks, which will cause you pain when you eat or drink. Sucking on hard candy or ice cubes can also help take the edge off the pain.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. Make sure the salt is fully dissolved before you spit it out; otherwise, you could damage your healing wound.
- Elevate your head with extra pillows while you sleep. This will reduce swelling and discomfort in the days following your extraction.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as often as you need to.
- Suck on an ice cube or cold drink.
- Place a damp tea bag on your cheek, near the extraction site.
- Apply a cool compress to your face for 10 minutes at a time. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a soft cloth will work just as well.
- Gently massage the area around the extraction site with your fingertips to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking for a few days, as smoking will cause swelling and prolong healing time.
Why does my extraction site still hurt?
A well-executed extraction can be expected to relieve pain and improve your overall health.
However, if your dentist finds it necessary to remove all of the tooth pulp during extraction, you may experience some pain after the procedure.
It is also possible to experience long-term pain or discomfort following tooth extraction if your wound was not stitched closed.
A wound left open will need to heal from the inside out, which can result in pain after tooth extraction for up to two weeks.
When Should You Call a Dentist?
You should contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of the signs of infection following a tooth extraction, including:
- Redness or swelling around the wound
- A foul smell coming from the extraction site
- Sharp pain around the tooth or gum
- Persistent bleeding for more than half an hour
- Fever or chills
Contact your dentist if you experience any discomfort that lasts more than a few days following an extraction.
How will I look after a tooth has been removed?
The gums may be swollen for several days following tooth removal but should return to normal fairly quickly.
There will be a scar where the tooth was extracted, but this will fade over time.
Teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and appearance.
Many people are concerned that their smile will look unusual if they have a tooth extracted.
However, missing teeth are usually replaced with an implant or bridge over time.
Need Immediate Dental Care?
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that is usually performed to relieve pain or discomfort
Although it can be painful, there are effective ways to treat the pain and discomfort associated with tooth extraction. The pain should be gone within three days.
Numbness, if present, can last for several months. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, or heat for comfort after surgery.
We hope this article is helpful for you. If you’re in Houston, Texas, and need dental services, contact Brownstone Dental.
We are a leading provider of high-quality dentistry to the people of your area. Let us be your partner for all things related to oral health care.
