How Painful is a Simple Extraction?

Simple extraction is considered simple because of how easy it is to access and remove the. These teeth also don’t grow too deep into the jawbone, which also makes them easier to remove with the right surgical tools. Essentially, the procedure itself is pretty painless and quick, compared to a surgical extraction. Let’s get more into it!

 

Simple versus Surgical:

 

Simple extraction is where the tooth is easy to reach and access, which means easier means of removing the tooth. Usually done with local anesthesia so that the patient is awake and ready to go as soon as the procedure is done because the tooth is not rooted that deeply into the mouth. The procedure can be done with the use of an elevator to help loosen the tooth from the gum and jawbone. Another tool used is the forceps, which grip onto the loosened tooth and can pull it out easily.

 

Surgical extraction is used when the tooth is not as easily accessible, and more tools are needed to open and reach into those hard-to-reach areas. These are teeth that grow towards the back of the mouth, like molars or wisdom teeth. These can also be teeth that are growing irregularly in the mouth. For procedures like this, the patient would be put to “sleep” since it would be very painful due to how deep the tooth is in the mouth.

 

How painful is it?

 

To be fair, a simple extraction isn’t painful during the removal because of the use of a local anesthetic numbing the area of the tooth and around it. Once numbed, the patient may feel some pressure and movement, and in some cases, a bit of pain. However, the dentist will ensure that if the patient does continue to feel pain during the procedure, then more numbing will be injected into the area.

 

Compared to a surgical extraction, the patient will not be able to feel anything if put to sleep during the procedure. Only after may there be pain when coming back to full consciousness.

 

For both procedures, the dental specialist will prescribe the patient painkillers or anything else that can remedy the pain in the mouth. This is because the soft tissues for the gumline were cut open and exposed, which can cause pain and discomfort for the person.

 

What questions to ask:

 

Before the procedure, its ok to ask the dental specialist what to expect before coming into these surgeries. Questions like how to take care of the area after the removal are key questions to a better healing cycle. It’s also wise to ask your dentist what you can and can’t eat, whether you are able to smoke or do any sucking motions with your mouth, because these can open up the wound and expose the area to bacteria.

Related Article: How Long Does Simple Extraction Take to Heal?