A tooth extraction can be a jarring experience if it's your first time. Learn what it feels like and how one of our dentists in Sewell, NJ makes it pain-free.

Statistics show that 48% of Americans have avoided going to the dentist due to the cost. This applied to people who had insurance but still avoided dental procedures.

It is never a good idea to postpone going to the dentist. This is especially true when it comes to a tooth extraction that is usually necessary.

If you have to have a tooth extracted, you may be wondering if this hurts. No one wants a painful tooth, so it is a good idea to do your research beforehand.



Keep reading to find out if a tooth extraction hurts when going to a dentist in Sewell, NJ.

Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?

You may go to a Sewell, NJ, dentist to have an extraction done. The good news is that a tooth extraction treatment is not usually very painful.

You will be under local anesthesia during this entire process. The anesthesia will be applied to the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissue to create numbness.

You won’t feel anything during the procedure, but you will feel the injection. You will feel the initial sting of the needle when you are getting the anesthesia.

This is the only kind of pain you will feel during this procedure. You may feel strange movements as the tooth is removed, but there should not be any pain.



If you do feel pain, you need to let your dentist know immediately. This could be a sign that the anesthesia did not penetrate enough and you need more.

Types of Tooth Extractions

If you are going to a dentist in Sewell, New Jersey, you will have more than one extraction option. There are two kinds of extractions that can be used depending on the situation.

There is a simple extraction where the tooth has erupted from the gumline. This includes any teeth that are visible when the dentist looks into your mouth.

Local anesthesia and dentist tools will be used to remove the tooth. You will be awake, but you will be completely numb, so you won’t feel the pain.

Surgical anesthesia is required if the tooth has not erupted the gumline. You will need stronger anesthesia that puts you to sleep during the procedure.

The gum will need to be cut open so that the tooth can be removed. Your dentist will be able to tell you what type of tooth extraction you need.

Surgical extractions are usually only required for wisdom teeth. This is because they are usually removed when they are still under the gum and haven’t come through yet.



Keep in mind that the recovery for each extraction will be very different. This is because a surgical extraction is more invasive and requires a longer recovery.

What Do You Do After a Tooth Extraction

Now that you know that your pain tolerance won’t be tested, what happens after? This is another common question that people have if they need a tooth extracted.

If your dentist is going to pull a tooth, they will usually discuss treatment with you. This way, you will know exactly what to expect when you go home after the procedure.

Here are some things you will need to keep in mind after you have this treatment done.

Take Pain Medications

Your dentist will most likely send you home with some pain medications. This is most common for surgical extractions where you are going to have more pain after.

If it were a simple tooth extraction with few complications, this may not be necessary. They may simply suggest that you take over-the-counter pain medications instead.

If you have a history of pain in the past, they may be willing to send you home with medication either way. Make sure you only take these medications if necessary.

Some people have a higher pain tolerance than others and won’t need them at all.

Be Gentle

When you come home from a tooth extraction, you will need to be gentle. Don’t rinse your mouth out or try to drink from a straw for a few days.

You will also need to readjust your oral hygiene routine. You should not brush or floss the extraction site or use mouthwash.

Try to care for the surrounding teeth but leave the extraction site alone. You do not want to irritate it or cause bleeding by being too rough.

Avoid Bad Habits

Your dentist will also advise you to avoid any poor habits you may have. This usually includes things like chewing tobacco products, smoking, or drinking alcohol.

These are things that can be very irritating to the extraction site. They can also slow down healing and make your pain more noticeable.

You should plan on avoiding all of these things for at least a week after the procedure. In some cases, your dentist may ask you to avoid them for two weeks.

This will depend on whether you have had a simple or a surgical extraction.

Avoid Certain Foods

You need to make sure you eat only soft, non-irritating foods. Avoid chips, crackers, or other crunchy foods, and eat soups or yogurt.



Avoid overly spicy or sour foods as well as very hot foods. Most people find that cold foods make their mouth feel much better after they have had a tooth extracted.

Dentist in Sewell, NJ: Tooth Extraction Details

If you are going to have a tooth extraction, you may be wondering if it is painful. The good news is that there isn’t much pain management necessary for a simple extraction.

You may be sent home with some pain medication or you can take over-the-counter options. You will also need to avoid anything that could irritate the site and cause more pain.



Are you interested in getting a tooth extracted? Contact us today at Sewell Dental Designs to schedule an appointment.