Having a tooth removed can feel daunting, but it’s surprisingly something that tens of thousands of people have safely undergone every day, with the team at Ace Smile Dentistry. This is especially true for our patients who often ask about tooth extraction and have a fear factor associated with this procedure. To help alleviate some of that fear, let’s bust some myths, discuss how pain is managed during the procedure, and provide you with some notes for recovery!

Common Myths About Tooth Extraction

Myth 1: Tooth extraction is excruciating．

Many patients believe that having a tooth extracted is intolerable.

The fact is, dentists administer local anesthesia to numb the area so you shouldn’t experience pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or movement, but not pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild discomfort, which you can manage with medications or simply an OTC pain reliever.

Myth 2: Extraction is always the last option.

While dentists will do everything possible to save a tooth, there are instances when extraction becomes necessary. Common reasons for the need to extract a tooth are severe decay, severe infection, or crowding of teeth. Sometimes extraction of a tooth improves your dental health compared to leaving the tooth in place and can prevent more serious problems down the road.

Myth 3: Recovery takes weeks.

Many people believe it takes weeks to heal after having a tooth extracted and assumes the recovery process is complex. For most extractions, it takes a few days to about a week to heal, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your compliance with aftercare advice.

Pain Management After Extraction

It is important to manage discomfort after tooth extraction for an uninterrupted recovery. Here is how to help with that:

•Follow directions from your dentist closely – The dentist will provide information on medications, diet, and oral hygiene.

•Take pain medication as directed, either prescription or over-the-counter – Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen is usually more than enough for mild discomfort.

•Use ice packs – If swelling occurs it is helpful to place an ice pack on your cheek near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes at a time.

•Rest and avoid strenuous activity – Giving your body a chance to heal lowers pain and will help avoid complications.

Recovery Tips for a Faster, Safer Healing

You can make recovery easier and help to reduce your risk of complications such as dry socket (when the blood clot at the site of the extraction becomes dislodged) by following a few simple tips:

1.Keep the extraction site clean – After the first day, gently rinse the area with warm salt water. Rinse and spit to dislodge the clot.

2.Avoid smoking and alcohol – Both will slow the healing process and increase chance of infection.

3.Eat soft foods. For the first few days you can eat yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies. You should avoid cheese, chips, granola and any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.

4.Avoid using straws – Sucking from a straw can dislodge a blood clot.

5.Oral hygiene – Continue to brush and floss your other teeth as you wish but be careful about brushing the extraction site.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Call your dentist if you notice:

• Severe or increasing pain that isn’t relieved by medication
• Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure
• Signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, or pus
• Numbness or tingling that lasts more than a few hours

The Ace Smile Dentistry Difference

At Ace Smile Dentistry, the comfort and safety of our patients is our highest priority. We value your time and understand tooth extractions can be very unpleasant. So, we have an experienced team of dentists, among the top rated in all of Texas, who will take care of you and every tooth extraction with great care, expertise, and the latest possible techniques to minimize pain and recovery time. We will answer all of your questions, demystify tooth extractions, and guide you through the entire process, from procedure preparation through post operative care.

Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of your extraction, Ace Smile Dentistry in Flower Mound, Texas will provide comforting, professional care with your smile and comfort as our first priority. Don’t let fear keep you away, schedule your consultation today for a stress free experience in dental care.