What Does a Tooth Extraction Feel Like?

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

It is a dental procedure for removing natural teeth from the mouth. Typically, tooth extractions near Scarsdale target problematic teeth that threaten the health of the rest of your oral cavity. While natural teeth are built to last a lifetime, many people globally have to undergo tooth extraction treatments once or more times in their lives.

Types of Tooth Extractions

When you visit your dentist for tooth extraction, you may think that the procedure is the same for every patient. On the contrary, there are different types of tooth extractions at Smile Scarsdale Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics, usually depending on the tooth in question. Some teeth are more stubborn than others. The different ways that a pediatric dentist in Scarsdale, NY, can remove a tooth include:

1. Simple extractions – are the most common approach for removing natural teeth. Simple extractions entail using forceps to rock a tooth back and forth to detach it from the socket. Such a procedure is possible if the shape and structure of the tooth are in a state that renders easy removal.
2. Impacted tooth extractions – are more complicated than simple extractions because the target teeth are partially or whole stuck underneath the gums. The procedure requires surgery to cut open the gums and access the tooth.
3. Removal of tooth roots – you will be shocked to learn that sometimes the roots of teeth remain intact even after the dentition is extracted. The residual roots will cause many dental issues, including significant pain in your gums and jawbone.

Reasons You Need a Tooth Extraction

Even though you may have a problematic tooth, it does not automatically mean that you need a tooth removal. Sometimes dental experts deliberate other treatment protocols to help save your natural teeth, including root canals and tooth fillings. However, the following circumstances often necessitate tooth removal:

1. Severely decayed teeth – although dental cavities are treatable with tooth fillings and root canal procedures, severe dental decay is different. It will not respond well to such treatment. When a tooth is severely damaged, its structure is compromised so much that it cannot be repaired or restored.
2. Overcrowded mouth – in orthodontic dentistry, tooth removal is necessary to create more room in the jawbone for the rest of the teeth. Orthodontic dentistry concerns straightening teeth and realigning jawbones to optimize functionality and improve aesthetics. Removing a natural tooth is necessary for accomplishing such success in dental alignment.
3. Impacted teeth – are teeth that erupt improperly, remaining partially stuck underneath the gums. Such teeth cause swelling and pain in the gums and jawbone, making eating painful and difficult.
4. Problematic wisdom teeth – are the last molars to erupt in a human mouth. Wisdom teeth grow in a tight spot at the furthest parts of the mouth, which may leave them limited space. Such conditions may cause wisdom teeth to be problematic, for instance, increased risk of infection and cavities, overlapping and overcrowding, among others.
5. Broken teeth – after dental injury, the trauma can break or crack your tooth. In some cases, the breakage or crack only affects the external structure of the tooth. However, in many situations, the internal layers of teeth are compromised, leading to nerve damage and recurrent toothaches. Treating such a tooth may necessitate removing it.

Is Getting a Tooth Pulled Out Painful?

Regardless of the type of tooth extraction you undergo, the procedure will be painful. It is not a simple thing to detach a fully matured tooth from its socket. However, since it is necessary for the general health of your mouth, your dentist will take the necessary measures to maximize safety and comfort during your treatment.

All tooth extractions require numbing first. The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your mouth before beginning the dental work. The numbing should be sufficient to make your extraction procedure painless. However, some patients require sedation dentistry to boost their comfort. Sedation allows your mind and body to calm down, relaxing you for the procedure. Sedation is usually employed for impacted tooth removals and extracting residual tooth roots.

After your treatment, you will experience pain once the numbing wears off. The dentist will prescribe medication to help manage your pain levels during the first couple of days of recovery.