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Do Tooth Extractions Hurt?

Tooth pain can be excruciating and may require emergency care. In some cases, the dentist will have to remove the tooth to prevent the spread of infection. 

Fortunately, the pain from an extraction can be radically alleviated with the help of sedation dentistry. Moreover, your dentist will also give you pain medication, or recommend an over-the-counter medication to help you manage any post-op pain that you may feel. 

Here’s everything you need to know about tooth extractions and the options you have for managing pain during and after the procedure. 

Types of Sedation Used for Tooth Extraction 

You have various sedation options to choose from, such as:

  • Local Anesthesia

The dentist will administer an anesthetic to the gum around the tooth that needs to be extracted. 

This method will ensure that you won’t feel any pain during the extraction, although you will continue to feel minor impulses, such as pressure or movement in the treatment area.

  • Nitrous Oxide (or Laughing Gas)

This method provides a minimum level of sedation, but it can help greatly with pain management. Moreover, laughing gas can also make you feel more relaxed and overcome your dental anxiety. 

The dentist will administer the gas through a mask placed over your nose. Once you inhale the gas, you will start feeling more relaxed almost immediately. 

Although sedated, you will remain conscious and be able to respond to verbal commands from the dentist.

  • IV Sedation

This type of sedation is usually used for more complex extraction procedures.

If you receive intravenous sedation, you won’t have any memory of the surgery and you will feel no pain at all. 

The dentist may also administer a local anesthetic at the extraction site just to be sure that you will feel absolutely no pain during the procedure.

  • General Anesthesia

With general anesthesia, you will be induced into a state of deep sleep. All your vital signs will be closely monitored by the dentist or a certified anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. At the end of it, you will have no memory of what happened.

To reduce post-procedure pain, a local anesthetic may be given by the dentist at the extraction site.

How to Manage Post Surgery Pain

Here’s what you can do to lessen your pain after the tooth extraction:

  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek
  • Eat soft foods for a few days after the surgery
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Rinse your mouth with saltwater, starting a full day after the procedure

Stellar Dental Care from Smillie Dental

A tooth extraction is a fairly common and relatively straightforward dental procedure. Even so, it’s comforting to know that you are in the best hands. 

At Smillie Dental, we provide a wide range of services, including general, preventive, and emergency dental care. 

If you need a tooth extraction and you want to get the best services in Port Orange, contact us today

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