Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Is it Painful?

Wisdom tooth extraction is common as a lot of individuals experience eruption. The procedure is known to induce anxiety because it does require pulling teeth. However, modern technology has allowed for better techniques, which reduce recovery times and pain. Pain is typically the most common concern of wisdom tooth extraction and rightly so! Keep reading to learn more about the pain associated with this procedure. 

Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?

Below is a quick overview of the pain that comes with a wisdom tooth extraction. When preparing for the procedure, it can be helpful to review the following information.

The procedure

Wisdom tooth extraction is relatively simple, so long as the teeth are not impacted. The dentist administers anesthesia so that the patient is unconscious. Then, the areas are numbed, which helps to avoid pain later. This is usually done via injection into the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Finally, the wisdom teeth are removed from the jawbone. More often than not, the gums have to be cut into in order to access the wisdom teeth, which leaves the dentist needing to sew up the gums to ensure proper healing. 

The pain

The pain associated with wisdom tooth extraction is afterward. Many are under the impression that they will feel pain during the procedure; however, that is very unlikely because most people are unconscious. In some rare instances, anesthesia may not be administered due to patient preference or health conditions; in this case, a strong pain medication would be provided before the procedure. 

After wisdom tooth extraction, the entire oral cavity is going to be sore and very uncomfortable. A lot of people report a dull pain for a couple of days as the nerves of the wisdom teeth are left exposed and to essentially die. Additionally, the gums are often sore as a result because they must be opened to access the teeth. 

After wisdom tooth extraction

Once wisdom tooth extraction is complete, patients are likely to feel the bulk of the discomfort. Thankfully, dentists have outlined a few ways to remedy and manage the pain. 

• Avoid touching the wound site, except for gauze changes
• Use ice packs or cold compresses to reduce inflammation
• Take pain medication in moderation with food
• Avoid eating tough or hard foods that could open the wound
• Rinse the mouth gently with salt water to avoid infection, which could cause further pain
• Brush the surrounding teeth to ensure disinfection

Find out more today

Want to know more about what to expect from a wisdom tooth extraction? Talking to a dentist is the best place to start. Patients can ask questions or go over concerns that they have, which can be helpful when preparing for the procedure. The dentist can also go over pain management options, thus helping to ease nerves. Reach out today to get scheduled for an appointment or to learn more about the procedure. 

Request an appointment at Olive Family Dentistry or call (818) 846-2266 for an appointment in our Burbank office.

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