Does tooth extraction hurt?

To extract a tooth is a procedure that none of us likes. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to relieve pain caused by inflammation or to maintain the condition of our teeth. It’s not surprising that the belief in pain during the procedure still exists, especially since in ancient times, tooth extraction was a form of torture. Fortunately, modern and professional tooth extractions are painless, although they are certainly not the most pleasant experiences.

Tooth extraction is performed only when treatment is not possible due to severe damage, insufficient development of the tooth, or impaction, which affects daily comfort and carries the risk of future abscess formation.

Tooth extraction is performed under local or general anesthesia, making the procedure painless. However, there is still some discomfort, such as the sensation of pressure, the touch of metal, or inflammation that doesn’t disappear after the administration of the anesthetic. General anesthesia, or sedation, is recommended for individuals who do not cooperate well with the dentist. It’s worth noting that these uncomfortable sensations are minimal, and in 99.9% of cases, local anesthesia is sufficient for the patient to comfortably resolve the issue.

THE PAIN EXPERIENCED DURING THE PROCEDURE

The actual tooth extraction under anesthesia is painless, but during the healing process, the patient may experience discomfort. Pain around the area where the procedure was performed can persist for up to a week, but over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen effectively alleviate this type of pain and restore comfort in daily life. In most cases, the pain subsides within 3 days. It’s also worth noting that every patient’s pain threshold is different, and their tooth structure, root configuration, and nerve placement vary, making it important to perform X-rays, often including CBCT, and evaluate factors like the position of the alveolar nerve before the procedure.

When performing tooth extractions, it’s important to consider and plan for their later prosthetic replacement. This often involves additional procedures to ensure optimal healing of soft tissues and bone, such as socket preservation. This approach allows for the avoidance of additional procedures and higher costs associated with prosthetic restoration, such as implants and subsequent restorations on implants.