Are Wisdom Tooth Extractions Painful? What You Need To Know

Wondering if a tooth extraction in Elk Grove will hurt? In this guide from The Grove Family Dental, we’ll discuss the basics of wisdom teeth, the removal process, and what to expect while you recover. Read on to learn more. 

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? What Makes Them Different From Our Other Teeth?

The difference is that the rest of our adult teeth begin to develop while we’re still in the womb, and continue to grow after we’re born. These teeth begin to emerge at the age of about 6, and they all typically erupt by the age of 12.
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But the wisdom teeth, our third set of molars, are not present at birth. They start developing later, and they also emerge later, usually between the ages of 17 to 25. This means that often, there is not enough room in the jaws to accommodate this third set of molars.
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For this reason, the wisdom teeth usually need to be extracted, since they can raise the risk of oral infections, negatively affect the nearby teeth, and cause a number of other complications.

Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction Won’t Hurt – Understanding The Process

You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during your extraction. To begin the process, Dr. Enaya will clean and numb the area with numbing spray and a numbing needle. We also offer dental sedation to help you feel more comfortable during the process.
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Then, Dr. Enaya will simply use a few special dental tools to wiggle the tooth loose in the socket, and pull it out. After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned, disinfected, and stitched shut to ensure proper healing. 

Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare & Pain Management 

While the initial process of extracting your wisdom teeth will not be painful, you will experience some pain and discomfort as your mouth heals after your extraction. Dr. Enaya will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth and ensure proper healing. Pain typically peaks within 2-3 days and then begins to subside.
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To help with pain, you may be given a prescription for painkillers from Dr. Enaya. If so, fill it and take them as directed. If you were not given a prescription, you can use over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with your discomfort.
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Applying an ice pack externally to the cheek near the extraction site can help reduce swelling and minimize your pain and discomfort. It’s also a good idea to eat a diet of liquid and soft foods for at least a week after your extractions. Eating crunchy or hard foods will cause pain and can damage the extraction site while it’s healing.
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After about a week, you should be feeling much less pain, and your mouth will be fully recovered by 2 weeks post-op, in most cases. If you still feel significant pain and discomfort after 1-2 weeks, this is not normal, and you should contact Dr. Enaya for a follow-up at The Grove Family Dental.

Contact Us Today To Get Wisdom Teeth Extractions In Elk Grove! 

Dr. Enaya has the skills, experience, and advanced technology you need to have your wisdom teeth removed safely and effectively. So don’t wait, and don’t put your oral health at risk. Contact us online or give us a call at 916-333-0609 to schedule a consultation at The Grove Family Dental today, and get the assistance you need.