Is Teeth Removal Painful ?

Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure involving pulling a tooth from the jawbone. At Glenn C delaRoca DDS, we believe in preserving your natural teeth as much as possible and we recommend tooth extraction as a last resort or if the dental condition calls for it. Certain conditions can require pulling of the teeth and they include:

• Severely decayed teeth that cannot be saved by root canal of filling
• Crowded teeth
• Advanced periodontitis
• If you are an organ transplant and a tooth presents a risk
• Wisdom tooth removal
• The primary teeth have not fallen off yet

We understand your phobia for tooth extraction, but we have taken the necessary measures to ensure you are comfortable and the procedure is pain-free.

We Use Anesthesia to Numb the Area

Our dentist in Hemet will give either of the three anesthesia:

• Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the commonly used numbing solution and is used in minor dental surgeries so that you don’t feel pain. However, you may feel slight pressure when the dental instruments are used.

Occasionally, we may use nitric oxide or laughing gas in combination with the anesthesia. With the laughing gas, you will be able to stay conscious and relaxed during the procedure.

Nitric oxide wears off fairly quickly, but the local anesthesia may take time and you will still have slight numbness on the lips, cheeks, and tongue after the procedure.

• sedation

Intravenous sedation is a deeper form of anesthesia that is administered through the veins. The sedation doesn’t cause you to sleep but you will have very little recollection of the procedure.

• General anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for moderate to severe dental procedures such as wisdom tooth removal or dental implant placement. The anesthesia takes time to wear off and the dentist may use medications to counter its effects.

We Explain the Procedure to You

We know you may be anxious during the procedure, but knowing what’s to be expected, can help you relax. Our dentist will take you through the procedure, the risks and aftercare instructions. The tooth extraction process is done in different steps:

• Dental assessment and examination to determine whether you meet the criteria for extraction
• Administration of the anesthesia
• The pulling of the tooth using the forceps and other dental instruments. If the teeth are impacted, the dentist may cut the gum open to extract them
• A gauze pad will be placed on the affected tooth to stop the bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the occurrence of infection.

We Give Aftercare Instructions

The procedure is pain-free, but you may experience discomfort and pain after the anesthesia or sedation wears off. Here are a few instructions to follow:

• Watch what you eat

A soft diet is required for the first few days. Eat foods that require little chewing such as eggs, soups, and smoothies. Additionally, you should avoid spicy or hot foods that may irritate your gums.

• Apply

Ice therapy causes blood vessels to constrict thereby reducing swelling. You need ice every 15 minutes for a few hours, but don’t apply it directly to your skin to prevent bruising.

• Protect your tooth socket

Dry socket is a common side effect of tooth extraction. After the tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form to facilitate healing. However, when it breaks, the socket will be exposed causing it to dry up. So, avoid activities such as drinking with a straw that may cause the clot to break.

• Don’t smoke

Smoking promotes gum inflammation, high blood pressure, dizziness, and periodontal disease which affect the healing process.

Apart from these care tips, maintain proper dental hygiene, use salt water, lower activity levels, elevate your head when sleeping, and take the prescribed pain-relievers.

How to Have a Successful Tooth Extraction Procedure

If you are scheduled to have a tooth removal treatment in Hemet, ensure you provide the dentist with a comprehensive medical history to allow us to personalize your treatment to your specific need. Also, come with a list of your drug intake including supplements.