What Is Tooth Extraction, How Long the Pain Last & how to Treat?

Tooth extraction is said to be one of the most common procedures that is used to remove the damaged tooth. While the extraction process is itself fast and simple, but the recovery process will vary from one individual to another. The duration and intensity of this post-operation largely depends upon lots of factors, like the complexity of the tooth extraction, how much the patient can tolerate the pain and the adherence to the different aftercare treatments.

The Pain Tolerance Level

Soon after the extraction, it is quite normal for experiencing some level of pain and discomfort in the tooth cavity. The local anesthesia that is used at the time of tooth extraction process will go off quickly, and the area around the extraction site will become tender and swollen. Most of the people will feel peak of pain in the initial hours, from 24-48 hours after the process.

During the next 1-3 days, the patients will experience some level of pain, mainly when biting down or also applying the pressure to the extraction site. This slight discomfort will be managed with the counter pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen which is given by the dentist. It is very important to follow the doses as prescribed by the doctor for avoiding side effects.

Then, in the next 3-7 days, the pain will gradually reduce as the body will start to heal. At this time, the swelling will start to slow down. Some of the patients will feel occasional twinges or sensation but it is less intense as compared to the first operational days. Rinsing your mouth with saltwater will help in keeping the area clean and accelerate healing.

In the second week after the tooth extraction, most of the people will feel much better as the pain will become reduced or there is no pain at all. However, it is very important to remember that the mouth healing process generally takes few weeks and the bone and gum tissues will need time to recover fully.

The Factors That Will Increase the Pain

There are lots of factors that will generally increase the pain and delay the healing process. This will include smoking, not maintaining proper oral hygiene and also not following the instructions given by the doctor. If you want to have strong teeth, it is always advisable to follow the guidelines of the dentist and also avoid food that will slow down the healing process.

If the pain stays more than 2 weeks, the symptom is really too severe. There might be some sorts of infection inside like fever, swelling and discharge from the tooth extraction site. It is very important to contact the dentist as soon as possible. This can be also the indications that require further evaluation.

The duration of tooth extraction typically stays for 1-2 weeks with the most intense discomfort happens with the first 2-4 days. However, each individual has his or her own way to deal with pain and it becomes very important to consult the doctor whenever the pain increases. The UShealth advisors suggests that the pain if stays for long, it is good to visit the dental professional. The expert will give the right medications.

The Different Ways to Prevent Tooth Extraction Pain

Tooth extraction is the dental procedure but the patient who is going through the same, definitely feel lots of pain in the gums and the tooth extraction site. Here are some of the ways to deal-

Choosing The Right Surgeon

Choosing the skilled dentist is one of the best ways if to want to reduce the pain in the process of tooth extraction. A knowledgeable person will make use of the right tools and techniques for anesthesia to reduce the pain.

Discuss The Pain Management Options

Before the tooth extraction takes place, you need to discuss the pain management options with the oral surgeon. They will provide you lots of anesthesia options, like the local ones, using the laughing gas, sedation to help you stay comfortable.

Following The Right Pre-Extraction Process

The dentist will offer specific pre-extraction guidelines like to avoid the medications, or not to fast before the procedure takes place. Following the guidelines will reduce the risk of certain complications to ensure a smooth process.

Use Of Prescribed Medications

There are certain steps you need to follow to reduce the pain. You can follow the post extraction pain relief procedures to reduce pain, you can take the medicines that act like sedatives, and you can also use the ice packs for reducing the pain.

Elevate Your Head

When you are resting or sleeping, you need to keep the head upwards with the extra pillow for reducing the blood flow to the extraction area, which will in turn reduce the swelling and discomfort of teeth.

Avoid Taking Certain Foods

Stick to the soft foods and always avoid taking spicy and crunchy food or any food that contains acid which will otherwise affect the extraction site. You can go for soups, mashed potatoes or fruit drinks. Apart from this, you can also rinse your cavity with saltwater a few times in a day for keeping the extraction site clean and also it will promote healing.

Do Not Use the Straw

You should avoid using the straws for drinking as sucking the straw will dislodge the blood clots and will reduce the healing time of the extraction.

Last but not the least, the dentist always suggest maintaining a good dental hygiene that will keep your dental issues can vain and also reduce pain of tooth extraction. Be sure to go for check-up quite often so that the dentist can have a clear understanding about the current condition.

Tooth extraction pain happens but it goes away if you follow the right guidelines. However, if the pain persists for long, immediately consult the expert as there might be some inner issues that are not identified superficially. Have a great dental hygiene is very good to eat, smile and breathe.