Does It Hurt To Get Wisdom Teeth Pulled While Awake
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically develop in early adulthood, but not everyone has enough room in their mouth to accommodate them. This can cause pain, infection, and even damage to other teeth, which is why many people opt to have them removed. But the thought of getting wisdom teeth pulled while awake can be nerve-wracking for some. In this article, we'll explore whether it hurts to get wisdom teeth pulled while awake.
What Happens During a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Before we dive into the question of pain, let's first understand what happens during a wisdom teeth extraction. The procedure typically involves:
- Anesthesia: The dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize pain during the procedure.
- Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth.
- Removal: The dentist or oral surgeon will use special tools to loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket.
- Suture: The dentist or oral surgeon may stitch the incision site to promote healing.
The entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Does It Hurt to Get Wisdom Teeth Pulled While Awake?
The short answer is that getting wisdom teeth pulled while awake can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be unbearable. As mentioned earlier, the dentist or oral surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the actual extraction.
However, you may still feel some pressure or tugging as the tooth is being removed. This can be disconcerting, but it shouldn't be painful. If you do experience pain during the procedure, let your dentist or oral surgeon know immediately so they can adjust the anesthesia.
What Can You Expect After Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled?
After the procedure, you can expect some discomfort and swelling, which is completely normal. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to manage any pain or swelling, which may include:
- Taking pain relievers as prescribed.
- Applying an ice pack to the affected area.
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.
- Eating soft foods and avoiding crunchy or hard foods that could irritate the extraction site.
You may also need to rinse your mouth with saltwater to keep the extraction site clean and promote healing. Your dentist or oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure that the extraction site is healing properly.
Conclusion
Getting wisdom teeth pulled while awake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it shouldn't be painful. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may still feel some pressure or tugging, which can be uncomfortable. If you do experience pain, let your dentist or oral surgeon know immediately so they can adjust the anesthesia. After the procedure, you can expect some discomfort and swelling, but with proper care, you should be back to normal in no time.
