Does It Hurt To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled
Introduction
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the human mouth. They usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain, swelling, and other issues that require removal. But does it hurt to get your wisdom teeth pulled?
The Procedure
The procedure to remove wisdom teeth is called an extraction. It is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, which puts the patient to sleep during the procedure.
The dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and may need to remove some bone to fully expose the tooth. They will then use forceps to loosen the tooth and remove it from its socket. Once the tooth is out, they will clean the area and may stitch the gum tissue back together.
Does It Hurt?
The short answer is yes, getting your wisdom teeth pulled can hurt. However, the level of pain you experience will depend on a variety of factors, including the position of your teeth, the complexity of the extraction, and your pain tolerance.
During the procedure, you should not feel any pain thanks to the local anesthesia. However, you may feel pressure or a pulling sensation as the dentist or oral surgeon works to remove the tooth. After the procedure, you will likely experience some pain and swelling as your body begins to heal.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to manage the pain, which may include over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications. They may also recommend applying ice to the affected area to help reduce swelling.
Recovery
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, you will need to take care of the extraction site to promote healing and prevent complications.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the extraction site, which may include:
- Changing gauze pads as directed to control bleeding
- Avoiding drinking through a straw, smoking, or spitting, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and delay healing
- Eating soft foods for the first few days and gradually reintroducing solid foods as tolerated
- Using a saltwater rinse to keep the extraction site clean
Conclusion
Getting your wisdom teeth pulled can be a painful experience, but with proper care and management, you can minimize the pain and promote healing. If you are experiencing pain or other issues with your wisdom teeth, speak with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine whether extraction is necessary.
