Generally, dentists prioritize the conservation of teeth. However, there are cases where teeth are too damage to save and may cause further problems if left in the mouth. In such cases, your dentist might suggest tooth extraction. However, extraction is not perform solely due to infection or disease.
Tooth extraction is a scary process, and numerous people avoid visiting dentists because of their fear and anxiety. The procedure is painless under anesthesia, but it begins to hurt once the anesthesia wears off. After extensive surgery, it’s common to experience pain for 2-3 days or longer, which can usually be manage with over-the-counter medications. However, if the tooth extraction pain persists and becomes more severe over time, you should visit your dentist immediately.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
These are the reasons for intervention that may lead to tooth extraction pain:
- Grossly Infected Tooth: A carious tooth ignored for a long time continues to decay and weaken. As its structure deteriorates, it harbors bacteria that can cause abscess formation and tooth pain. The seepage of bacterial products into the root area leads to the deterioration of the surrounding bone structure. This sequence of events impacts oral health and can lead to more challenges in the future. Therefore, it is recommend to remove a severely decayed tooth to preserve the bone and supporting structures.
- Impacted Tooth: In most cases, an impacted tooth needs to be extracted due to the pain and discomfort that arise during its eruption. Third molars, which appear later in life, are often trapp within the bone and may emerge at abnormal angles, causing pain and infection at the site. Impacted teeth are extracted surgically and typically require more time to heal.
- Periodontal Disease: The severe progression of periodontal disease causes bone recession around the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loosening. Teeth without sufficient support become mobile and may require extraction to prevent further complications, such as swelling, infection, or pain.
- Crowding: Teeth extracted to correct misalignment are typically not infected. A healthy tooth is removed to create space for proper alignment, especially when the arch space is too narrow.
- Trauma or Injury: You might break a tooth accidentally while opening a can or bottle, biting something hard, falling, or in a traumatic crash or accident. If a tooth breaks in a way that cannot be repair, dentists often recommend removing it and replacing it.
Pain after Extraction
It is normal to experience discomfort and slight pain for a few days. In cases of normal and minor extractions, pain persists for 2-3 days, gradually decreasing in intensity. In more extensive surgical procedures, it may take up to 7 days. However, the most abnormal sign to look out for is increasing, throbbing pain, which is not relieved even by medication after 3-4 days.
Other symptoms that suggest a visit to a dentist include:
- Increasing pain, which is not reduce or alleviate with medicines.
- Pain radiating to other structures.
- Swelling of the tissue, which is not subsiding
- Bleeding even after 24 hours.
- Constant foul taste or smell in mouth.
- Signs of infection or pus formation.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction Pain
Dry Socket
It is a common condition that develops after an extraction and results from the dislodgement of a clot, leaving the bone exposed. It is extremely painful and typically occurs due to failure to follow post-op instructions, such as avoiding carbonated drinks, smoking, and spitting or rinsing for 24 hours.
Infection
An infection caused by bacterial invasion causes immense pain, along with a foul smell and taste in the oral cavity. It can lead to swelling of the area and may progress to fever and malaise.
Residual Bone or Fragment of Tooth
A fragment of tooth or broken bone left inside can cause sharp, severe pain at the extraction site. Healing may not occur properly, and it can irritate the surrounding tissue.
Sinus Perforation
Upper molars are very close to the sinus, and these multirooted teeth are strongly plant in the bone. A forceful or traumatic extraction can push the teeth into the sinus, leading to perforation. An opening is create between the oral cavity and sinus, which requires immediate attention as it builds up pressure, causing terrible pain.
Nerve Damage
The nerves closely passing by the teeth sometimes get damage during the procedure. After nerve damage, pain, numbness, and tingling can persist in the affected area for several months. Due to its proximity to the extraction site, the mandibular nerve is susceptible to injury during impacted tooth removal.
Impacted Tooth Extraction
Third molars, especially the mandibular molars, are embedd deep into the bone. It requires a surgical procedure for its removal and may break, or some parts can be left behind during extraction. The complicated disimpaction takes a very long time to heal completely and presents with pain, restricted jaw movement, and swelling.
Gum Inflammation or Soft Tissue Injury
Over-instrumentation or excessive pressure while removing the tooth torments the surrounding structure, further leading to pain and discomfort. It is manageable with the help of over-the-counter medicines and usually heals after some time.
Conclusion
Dentists always provide a set of instructions after Dental extraction. It is crucial to follow each instruction carefully to avoid complications after the tooth removal and also to help relieve tooth extraction pain. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to relieve pain after tooth extraction during the healing process.
If you’re dealing with the pain associated with an extraction process, our expert dentists at Osseo Family Dental Clinic can guide you in developing a gentle care routine that prioritizes pain-free recovery. We can also guide you on developing healthy oral habits for long term wellness.
Experience painless tooth extraction at Osseo Family Dental Clinic. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Visit our website at https://osseofamilydental.com/ for more info.