Needing to have a tooth pulled can be an intimidating experience. You might feel nervous or anxious about the procedure, but knowing what to expect can help. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the extraction process and recovery, and this article will also give you some information to help you feel more comfortable and confident about upcoming tooth extractions. Here’s what you can expect.
- We’ll numb the area first: We understand that tooth extractions can be painful, but we have come a long way in our strategies for numbing the pain. To ensure you feel minimal pain as we extract your tooth, we can use sedatives and anesthetics, like lidocaine or articaine. We also use great care to very gently remove the tooth.
- You’ll only feel a small amount of pressure: Thanks to the help of numbing agents and gentle hands, you should only feel pressure and experience slight bleeding during your tooth extraction, but no severe pain or discomfort. We do our best to keep you as comfortable as possible.
- Expect swelling: You might experience swelling after tooth extractions. To reduce both pain and swelling in the area, you can apply a cold compress to the cheek outside the extraction site.
- You’ll need to be careful after the extraction: Tooth extractions typically heal nicely, but there are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery. We might prescribe an antibiotic to prevent any infection. You will also want to avoid smoking, drinking from a straw, and brushing the area where the tooth was removed, as these deter the healing process and can create dry sockets or open the wound.
Give us a call if you would like to learn more.