Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt?

If you need a tooth removed, you probably have one burning question: will it hurt? This is one of the most common concerns we hear at Inspirational Smiles in Cumming, GA. The good news is that modern dentistry has made tooth extractions much more comfortable than you might think. While the idea of having a tooth pulled can make anyone nervous, understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and less anxious about the procedure.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in your jawbone. Your dentist may recommend extraction for several reasons. These include severe tooth decay that can’t be fixed with a filling or crown, advanced gum disease, crowding in your mouth, or an infected tooth that poses a risk to your overall oral health.

There are two main types of tooth extractions. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that’s visible above the gum line. Your dentist uses a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth in the gum, then uses forceps to hold and remove the tooth. A surgical extraction is more complex and involves teeth that haven’t fully erupted or have broken below the gum line.

Before your extraction begins, your dentist will discuss anesthesia options with you. The type of anesthesia depends on several factors: the complexity of the extraction, your anxiety level, and the number of teeth being removed. For most simple extractions, local anesthesia is used in over 95% of procedures, making it the most common choice.

Local anesthesia numbs only the area around your tooth. You remain fully awake and aware during the procedure. The numbing effects of lidocaine usually kick in within five minutes or less of the injection and last about one to two hours. Your dentist may also offer sedation options if you feel anxious. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) helps you relax while staying conscious. Oral sedation involves taking a pill before your appointment that makes you drowsy. IV sedation provides deeper relaxation with limited memory of the procedure.

Pain During the Extraction Procedure

Here’s the most important thing to know: you should not feel pain during your tooth extraction. With proper anesthesia, the procedure itself is generally painless. Lidocaine, the most common local anesthetic used, has a 98% success rate in achieving complete numbness. Only 1 to 2% of patients experience inadequate pain relief with local anesthesia. Around 70% of patients report feeling no pain during the extraction with local anesthesia alone.

What you will feel is pressure. This is a crucial distinction. You may feel pressure, but shouldn’t experience any pain. If you have pain, you can tell your dentist, and they’ll administer more local anesthetic to numb the area. The pressure comes from the force needed to loosen and remove the tooth, but the anesthesia blocks the pain signals from reaching your brain.

Dr. Imelda Crews at Inspirational Smiles explains, “Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the extraction process is. The pressure sensations can feel odd, but they’re not painful. If you do feel any sharp or uncomfortable sensations during the procedure, let us know right away so we can adjust your anesthesia. Your comfort is our priority.”

Local anesthetics work by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from a specific region to the brain. As a result, you won’t experience any pain in the area where the local anesthesia is administered, although you may still experience sensations such as pressure or movement.

Pain After the Extraction

While the extraction itself shouldn’t hurt, you can expect some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. Understanding the timeline helps you prepare and manage your expectations.

The first 24 to 48 hours after your extraction are typically the most uncomfortable. The pain is usually most intense in the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery and should begin to ease after that. Immediately after surgery, you may not feel any pain because the extraction site will be numb. You may experience bleeding from the socket, swelling in your gums and outer jaw, and throbbing pain that’s worse when lying down or exercising.

According to dental health experts at Colgate, for most people, the pain tends to decrease after the third day. After about a week to ten days, granulation tissue forms, which protects the extraction site until bone can form there. By day three, many patients notice a significant improvement. Day three is usually the worst day of pain after a tooth extraction, so if you can get through the first 72 hours, you’re likely on your way to a smooth recovery.

Tooth extraction pain typically subsides within 3 to 7 days. By the end of the first week, most patients report feeling much better, with only mild discomfort remaining. However, complete healing takes longer. If you’re having a wisdom tooth extracted, the healing time may take longer. It could last several weeks.

It’s important to note that more than 50% of people find they need to take pain medication within the first week following a tooth extraction. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

Managing Pain After Tooth Extraction

You can take several steps to manage discomfort and speed up your healing after a tooth extraction.

Your dentist will likely recommend or prescribe pain medication. The American Dental Association’s clinical practice guidelines suggest that over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective for most patients. These medications also help reduce inflammation. For more complex extractions, your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers. The key is to stay ahead of the pain by taking medication as directed, rather than waiting until you’re uncomfortable.

Ice is your friend for the first 24 to 48 hours. Reduce or minimize swelling with an ice pack on your cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. This helps control swelling and provides numbing relief. After the first two days, you can switch to warm compresses if you still have swelling.

Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping. Prop yourself up with extra pillows to minimize blood flow to your head, which reduces throbbing and swelling. Avoid bending over or doing any strenuous activity for the first 48 to 72 hours.

Your diet matters during recovery. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and lukewarm soup. Avoid foods like nuts, hard candy, steak, and chewing on ice. Stay away from hot foods and drinks for the first couple of days, as they can increase swelling and bleeding.

After 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing with warm salt water. Rinse your mouth with a saline rinse or warm salt water to kill bacteria. Be gentle and let the water fall out of your mouth rather than spitting forcefully, which can dislodge the blood clot.

Most importantly, avoid using straws, smoking, or vaping. These activities create suction in your mouth that can dislodge the protective blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

When to Call Your Dentist

While some discomfort is normal after a tooth extraction, certain symptoms require immediate attention from your dentist. Know the warning signs so you can get help quickly if needed.

Call your dentist if your pain gets worse instead of better. Initial soreness should subside gradually over the next few days. If pain returns or intensifies after it started to improve, it could be a sign of infection. Pain that persists or worsens after the first few days isn’t normal.

Dry socket is one of the most common complications after tooth extraction. This happens when the blood clot in your socket fails to form properly or becomes dislodged. As explained in Healthline’s guide to tooth extraction pain, dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket didn’t form or has been dislodged, and the bone of the socket walls becomes exposed. If you develop severe pain a few days after your extraction, especially pain that radiates to your ear, you may have dry socket.

Watch for signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, pus or discharge from the extraction site, foul taste or smell in your mouth, or swelling that increases after the first 48 hours. If pain worsens, pus appears, or you develop a fever or foul taste, call your dentist. These could be signs of infection.

Excessive bleeding is another red flag. Some oozing is normal for the first 24 hours, but heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure with gauze needs professional attention.

At Inspirational Smiles in Cumming, GA, we want you to feel confident about your tooth extraction. Our team takes extra care to make sure you’re comfortable during and after the procedure. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are always available if you have concerns during your recovery.

Remember, tooth extractions are routine procedures that millions of people undergo successfully every year. With proper anesthesia, the procedure itself is virtually painless. While you’ll have some discomfort during recovery, following your dentist’s instructions and taking good care of the extraction site will help you heal quickly and comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does numbness last after a tooth extraction?

The numbness from local anesthesia typically lasts one to two hours after your tooth extraction. The effects can last longer if your dentist used an anesthetic with epinephrine, which can extend numbness by up to an hour. You’ll usually regain feeling in your tooth before your lips, cheeks, or tongue feel normal again.

Can I eat after a tooth extraction?

Yes, but wait until the numbness wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Start with soft, cool foods like yogurt, pudding, or applesauce. Avoid hot foods, crunchy foods, and anything that requires a lot of chewing for at least the first two to three days. Never use a straw, as the suction can dislodge your blood clot.

Is it normal to have pain three days after tooth extraction?

Yes, some pain on day three is normal. In fact, day three is often when patients experience the peak of discomfort. However, the pain should be manageable with over-the-counter medication and should start improving after this point. If pain is severe or getting worse, contact your dentist.

How can I sleep comfortably after a tooth extraction?

Sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows to reduce swelling and throbbing pain. Avoid lying flat, as this increases blood flow to your head and can make pain worse. Take your pain medication before bed, and apply ice packs before sleeping if you’re still within the first 48 hours after extraction.

What does dry socket feel like?

Dry socket causes severe, throbbing pain that typically starts two to three days after your extraction. The pain may radiate to your ear or eye on the same side as the extraction. You might also notice a bad taste or smell in your mouth and can sometimes see exposed bone in the socket. Contact your dentist immediately if you suspect dry socket.

When can I brush my teeth after extraction?

You can brush your other teeth gently on the same day as your extraction, but avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can carefully resume brushing near the area, but be very gentle and don’t brush directly over the socket until your dentist gives you the okay. Continue flossing your other teeth normally.

Is tooth extraction painful if the tooth is already infected?

An infected tooth can sometimes make it harder for anesthesia to work effectively, which means your dentist may need to use a higher dose or wait a bit longer for it to take effect. However, you still should not feel pain during the procedure itself. Your dentist will make sure you’re properly numb before beginning the extraction.

How long does swelling last after tooth extraction?

Swelling typically peaks at 24 to 48 hours after your extraction and then gradually decreases. Most swelling resolves within three to five days. Using ice packs for the first 48 hours and keeping your head elevated can help minimize swelling. If swelling increases after the first few days or spreads, contact your dentist.

Contact Information:

Inspirational Smiles: Imelda Crews, DDS

202 Tribble Gap Road, Suite 101, Cumming, GA 30040
Cumming, GA
United States

Dr. Imelda Crews