Having your teeth removed can be frightening and even worse when it comes to molar tooth extraction. Yet, it always seems to hurt a lot less than you anticipate—thanks to the painkillers(anesthesia) used during the process. In addition, dentists often prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain medication to assist you in managing the pain after the operation. However, you should entrust your molar tooth extraction procedure to a reputable and experienced dentist. So, what is the extraction process like? How long does pain last after molar tooth extraction? Read on to know more!
During the molar tooth extraction process, your dentist may use the following anesthesia to suppress the pain:
In this, a numbing agent will be applied to your gums around the tooth being removed by your dentist or oral surgeon. Then you'll be injected with a local anesthetic around the extraction site with one or more injections.
The anesthesia won't take away all of your sensations. You may feel movement and pressure, but no pain or sharpness should be felt. A local anesthetic is usually utilized for a simple extraction, and you will be awake during the procedure.
Your dentist may offer you conscious sedation through nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) pills or tablets that you consume before the operation.
Both of these options will keep you awake but make you feel more comfortable and drowsy. Your dentist or surgeon may prescribe sedative medication administered via an intravenous (IV) line in your arm for more moderate sedation. The sedative anesthetic will suppress your unconsciousness during the operation.
This one is offered only during special circumstances and is administered through inhalation or intravenously (on the arm). You will lose consciousness and fall asleep completely under general anesthesia.
Your vital indicators, such as respiration, blood pressure, and temperature will be checked throughout the extraction. You should be pain-free and have no recollection of the operation. To alleviate postoperative pain, you'll most likely be given local anesthesia.
Your dentist will most likely use an elevator to loosen the tooth in the gum during a simple extraction procedure. The tooth will then be held in place by forceps while it is pulled from the gum. Although you may experience some pressure on the area, you should not be in any pain. Inform your dentist if there's any pain, and they'll give you additional local anesthesia to numb the region.
During a surgical extraction, your dentist will make an incision in your gum and any bone blocking access to the tooth's root will be removed before extracting the tooth. This may be done in sections, for easier removal.
Following the actual extraction, your dentist will clean the region and may put sutures (stitches) to seal the incision for both simple and surgical extractions. Finally, gauze is typically applied to the wound to stop bleeding and aid in forming a blood clot. After the extraction, you'll be told to bite on this gauze for 20–30 minutes. Read on to understand how long pain lasts after molar tooth extraction.
People heal differently after molar teeth extraction. However, most people experience some tenderness and discomfort in the first 24 hours and up to 3 days following the extraction, after which the discomfort subsides.
Considering that you take good care of the area following your dentist's instructions, the healing process will be almost painless. Some common instructions you may get include:
If the pain continues or worsens after the third day, you may have a dry socket. When the blood clot doesn't form or gets dislodged in the extraction socket, the bone of the socket walls becomes exposed, and this is what is referred to as a dry socket. The most common treatment for a dry socket is a medicinal gel that your dentist puts in the socket to cover it up.
At Taylorview Dental in Idaho Falls, ID, we offer the safest and most affordable molar tooth extraction services in Idaho Falls and surrounding areas. If your molar tooth is giving you trouble, and you need it extracted, Dr. Brett and Dr. Lauren Davis are your best bet to remove it and help you return to your normal pain-free life. For more information and to book your oral surgery appointment, reach out to us at (208) 522-4491 to book your appointment!
