Tooth Extraction Pain: What to Expect

If the time finally arrives for a real-life tooth extraction, try to remain calm and relaxed. Fortunately, Danny Jeon, DMD, has you covered during and after your surgery at Tucker Family Dental in Tucker, GA.

What happens during a tooth extraction?

Getting your tooth pulled may be the best solution. There are many reasons why you might need an extraction, including the following: 

• Fractured tooth
• Periodontal disease
• Severe decay 

During this common oral surgery procedure, Dr. Jeon:

• Numbs the area with a local anesthesia or offers sedation 
• Gently loosens your tooth
• Removes the tooth from the socket 

Dr. Jeon may apply a stitch or two. Then, you’re done! The entire procedure usually lasts less than an hour.

Crucial aftercare

Dr. Jeon offers basic tips to promote healing following your extraction. These include:

• Don’t rinse for 24 hours to allow the socket to heal
• Keep the gauze in place for a couple of hours while a blood clot forms
• Change the gauze as needed over the next day or two
• Keep your head elevated while lying down
• Rest for the next day or two
• No heavy lifting or exercising
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol for at least three days
• Avoid hot liquids 
• Don’t sip through a straw, as it may affect clotting
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as needed
• Don’t take aspirin because it thins your blood
• Try not to blow your nose
• Chew on the other side of your mouth for a couple of days

Alternating between a cold and warm compress on your cheek should lessen the pain and swelling. 

Help your body heal

Your healing goes through stages. Over the next few days, you may:

• Feel tenderness and discomfort where we extracted your tooth
• Experience jaw tightness
• Feel stiffness while opening and closing your mouth

Following your extraction, a blood clot will form to protect the area. Let it be. If pain persists more than a few days, it may be due to a dry socket from a dislodged or absent blood clot, potentially exposing the bone. 

Dr. Jeon usually treats a dry socket with a medicated gel that covers the socket. Contact us for further instructions.

Why does a dry socket form?

While most people heal swiftly. However, on rare occasions, you might experience a dry socket. Risk factors include the following:

• Poor oral hygiene leading to bacterial growth in the area
• Using a straw that dislodges the clot
• Taking birth control with estrogen, which slows healing
• Smoking tobacco

It’s more important than ever to brush and floss after 24 hours. Dr. Jeon and our dental hygienist provide tips on how to best clean the area. 

Should a dry socket form, we may irrigate your mouth with salt water or an antibacterial rinse, and prescribe antibiotics if we suspect an infection.

Put your mind and pain at ease

During a tooth extraction, the numbing gel and anesthesia relieve your pain. Afterwards, you can reduce the pain and inflammation with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses on your cheek.

Regular check-ups and cleanings help avert painful toothaches, extractions, and extensive dental work. If you wish to discuss any dental concerns or simply arrange a check-up or cleaning with Tucker Family Dental, call our office at (678) 233-2945 or book an appointment online today.