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 here: https://dentistinsanclemente.com or call Nina Basti DDS at (949) 201-4719 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Tooth Extraction in San Clemente, CA.

Recent Posts

Healing Time Length After A Tooth Extraction

An extraction is usually recommended as a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be saved. The two main types of extractions performed by dentists are simple and surgical extractions. A simple extraction is performed when enough of the tooth is left above the gumline to pull it out with forceps. A surgical…

How Replacing A Missing Tooth Can Improve Your Smile

If you have a missing tooth, it may be difficult to eat or speak. You may not even want to be around other people. Fortunately, you do not have to struggle with this condition for long. Your dentist can talk to you about a treatment to fill in the gap and replace the tooth so…

Emergency Dentistry Visit To Save A Tooth

If you've knocked out a tooth, it's an emergency dentistry situation, and you should call your dentist immediately. If they can't see you right away, an emergency dentist can help you in the meantime by putting the tooth back in place and providing emergency dental care until you can get to the dentist's office. Read…

Preventive Treatment To Deter Dental Emergencies

Oral issues that require immediate treatment are considered dental emergencies. Such problems can seems to occur at the worst moments possible, forcing someone to take time out of a busy daily schedule to safeguard their dental health and sanity.Most people do not spend much time thinking about dental emergencies until one happens to them. However,…

Nina Basti DDS

Share
Published by
Nina Basti DDS

Recent Posts

3 Ways to Know If Professional Teeth Whitening Is Right for You

Choosing to undergo an in-office professional teeth whitening treatment provided by a dentist means one…

1 week ago

Ask an Implant Dentist About Natural vs. Artificial Teeth

If you are still deliberating on whether to keep a natural tooth or get an…

3 weeks ago

Why Clear Braces Are a Popular Option for Teeth Straightening

Straightening the teeth can take months or years before achieving the desired result, as they…

1 month ago

Same-Day Denture Options

Wondering about what same-day dentures are and if they work? Check out this article now…

1 month ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Replacing old dental fillings is a part of good oral healthcare from time to time.

2 months ago

How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health and Function

The stability of this restoration keeps the teeth in place, resulting in more comfortable speech…

3 months ago