Is Extraction of Tooth Painful?

Wisdom teeth removal is a dental treatment that some people undergo once. While sedation is used for less distressing and comfortable experiences, in a few cases, wisdom teeth are extracted without anesthesia. This approach involves the removal of the tooth, giving no anesthesia while you remain awake or responsive throughout the process. Surgery with no anesthesia can be challenging for people with anxiety, low pain tolerance, and previous lousy experience issues and feeling nervous. Well, if you’re wondering how bad wisdom teeth removal is without anesthesia, here you learn the reasons against non-sedated wisdom teeth extraction and its potential disadvantages. Also, you can explore how to prepare for the procedure. But first, know why it is necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. Read on!

Is Extraction of Tooth Painful?

Yes, wisdom tooth extraction is certainly painful without anesthesia. Dentists may provide you with some anesthesia that won’t make a horrifying experience for you. These effective drugs work so well by numbing the surrounding areas of the teeth. In some cases, general anesthesia is also used if you are more stressed. This makes you feel unconscious during the entire tooth extraction surgery. Intravenous anesthesia is also provided which leads to deep sleep without feeling any kind of pain. Whatever the concern is, the results of all the types of anesthesia are the same. 

How Painful is a Tooth Extraction?

Whether you undergo simple or complex wisdom tooth removal surgery, the procedure starts with the use of anesthesia. Dentists inject this potent drug around the surrounding areas of your teeth. While injecting the anesthetic needle, you might feel a little pain and discomfort. However, most people find it painless and slightly distressing. 

Anesthesia may not work when pulling out the wisdom tooth, so you may feel pressure during the movement. Once the tooth extraction is done, you might experience some swelling at the side of your face where the tooth got operated on. Doctors may recommend some painkillers to relieve the pain. Applying the ice pack or cold compress for about 10 minutes can also work. 

Also Read: Health Effects Of Pain Relievers

When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?

Usually, wisdom teeth appear between 16 to 25 years old which causes dental problems for some young people. In such situations, wisdom teeth removal is recommended by dental professionals. Explore these 4 reasons why it is necessary to remove wisdom teeth: 

1. Gum Diseases And Infection-

This is the most crucial reason you must remove your wisdom teeth. When the wisdom tooth slightly comes out(semi-included), it forms a space between the 3rd molar and the gum. This allows the accumulation of bacteria and food residues in that area. 

These results are mouth inflammation and infection, leading to extreme pain around the tooth. Additionally, individuals may find it challenging to open their mouths and chew anything properly. Besides this, this condition leads to gum disease and tooth infection around the wisdom tooth area, like abscesses or pericoronitis. 

2. To Prevent Damage To Surrounding Teeth

Avoiding other teeth damage is another main reason that justifies wisdom teeth removal. Commonly, there needs to be more space left for the unrestrained growth of the wisdom teeth. In this case, surrounding teeth are displaced by the continuous push of the teeth.
Consequently, it can lead to several oral issues that severely impact your health. Those include wisdom tooth cavity, periodontal defect (bone loss), tooth damage, and malocclusion (misalignment condition). 

3. Dental Cavities Development 

When wisdom teeth are semi-included(half out), they are more prone to form cavities. It becomes challenging to brush those teeth because of the deformed position. This leads to poor maintenance of dental hygiene. Thus, it is most reasonable to go for wisdom teeth extraction before cavities occur.

4. Dental Cysts And Lesions

Wisdom teeth also cause dental cysts and lesions, which harm oral health. Sometimes, these teeth remain firmly in the socket and grow inside the jaw only. This condition causes the formation of cysts or lesions. The results are deliberate damage to the surrounding tooth structure and jawbone.

How Bad Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Anesthesia?

Removing wisdom teeth without anesthesia can be severely bad for the patients with certain issues like fear of pain, anxiety, stress, etc. This can lead to several potential risks: 

1. Causes Pain and Discomfort

For some people, wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia can be more uncomfortable and painful. This is because, during the entire process, patients stay awake and remain conscious of sensations. With anesthesia, it is easy to reduce pain, but it can not prevent all types of sensitivities.  

2. Leads To Anxiety and Stress

Some patients might undergo severe anxiety and stress during the tooth removal process without the use of anesthesia. It can make the whole experience unpleasant and stressful. In such matters, anesthesia might be effective in addressing anxiety.

3. Extends The Procedure Time

Patients who are not under anesthesia might experience a longer procedure time due to the need for frequent breaks or adjustments to manage discomfort. This can lead to a distressing situation. 

4. Gives Problem in Complex Cases

In case of complex or highly affected wisdom teeth, staying awake during the procedure without anesthesia can be difficult. The challenges are mainly due to the more prolonged and invasive treatment that can cause discomfort. 

5. Provides Less Patient Comfort

For some patients, wisdom tooth removal without anesthesia can be challenging both physically and emotionally. It can affect their overall well-being and experience.

Note: Based on the patient’s preferences, health history, and complexity of the treatment, the selection between non-sedated and sedated wisdom teeth extraction should be done. Patients must discuss all these facts with dental professionals to help decide the right approach.

What Are The Reasons For Choosing Anaesthesia?

Choosing anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal benefits in many ways: 

1. Manages Pain Quickly

Anesthesia manages the pain effectively during the procedure. It blocks the nerves from transmitting the pain to the mouth. This eases the comfort of the patient throughout the entire tooth extraction process.

2. Ensures Quick Recovery

As anesthesia numbs a particular area around the wisdom tooth and doesn’t affect other body parts, there is fast recovery. Typically, patients can start performing their everyday activities after the treatment. 

3. Prevents Fair Of Pain 

Anesthesia is an effective drug which can reduce fear of pain during the procedure.  

4. Assures Fewer Side Effects

Generally, anesthesia has a few side effects. Injecting this anesthetic drug numbs the area and quickly wears off after hours of dental treatment. You might feel a little pain post the surgery which prescribed medicines can help get relieved.

5. Have Less Interference With Medical Issues

Anesthesia might be safer for patients with a specific medical history. It can prevent the potential risk of systemic complications.

6. Is Cost-Effective

Usually, local anesthesia is more affordable than sedation. So, for budget-conscious patients, it might be a better cost-effective option.

Types of Anaesthesia Used For Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Using no anesthesia leads to potential risks for oral health. So, dentists either use local or general anesthesia based on the complexity of wisdom teeth removal, comfort, and a patient’s medical history. Sometimes, sedation may also be suggested by the professionals. 

Here are the three common types of anesthesia used during the surgery:

• Local anesthesia
• General anesthesia
• Sedation

Local Anesthesia

Mainly local anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal surgery is used. This product comes in liquid or gel form, numbing the wisdom teeth’ surrounding area. It is usually considered safe to block pain signals from reaching the central nervous system. This ensures no feeling of pain or any sensation from the numbed site.

Also, local anesthesia does not make you sleep and feel unconscious, making an easy recovery. However, they might not be an appropriate option for invasive treatments where discomfort can be more significant. As per the report by the National Health Service, there are certain risks associated with the use of local anesthesia, that are:

• Neurological symptoms like the sensation of needles or pins
• Dizziness or blurred eyesight
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions
• Cardiac symptoms (rarely)
• Muscle spasms

General Anaesthesia

Is local anesthesia better than general anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal? The answer depends on the type of procedure’s duration and the patient’s health condition. Usually, most dentists use general anesthesia in cases where the process is lengthy or complex or if the patient is stressed. It comes in oral, inhalable medications, or intravenous form, making patients sleepy during the extraction procedure. This helps remove the wisdom teeth without any extreme pain. 

This type of anesthesia will feel like sleeping and waking up. There are some potential risks linked to it, such as aspiration, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and airway obstruction. These complications may vary based on the medical history and the over-the-counter medications a patient consumes. Dental professionals will discuss these facts before proceeding. 

Sedation

Many wisdom teeth removal sedatives are available, like oral, IV, and inhaled/ nitrous oxide. Most patients prefer having IV as it gives deep restfulness and makes you feel sleepy. It means you are asleep and won’t feel pain during extraction. Oral sedation for wisdom teeth removal surgery is also a good option. You’ll feel sleepy and calm but there are chances of memory of the treatment experience. Moreover, as per the American Dental Association, nitrous oxide is practical and safe, being the lightest sedation. You’ll be awake and able to follow orders, but you might be dizzy or lightheaded. After the treatment, nitrous oxide quickly wears off. 

How To Prepare For Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?

Following the guidelines mentioned below, you can prepare yourself for the surgery:

• Do not drink or eat anything before the surgery. This is because the risk of giving anesthesia on a full stomach can block your airways.
• Speak about the prescribed and over-the-counter medicines you take to your dentist. It helps prevent unsafe or unpleasant interactions with anesthesia.
• Do not use alcohol, as it can put your health at risk.
• Also, avoid smoking for 12 hours before the wisdom teeth removal surgery. Better not smoke! 

Also Read: 7 Tips For Safe Drinking Everyone Should Know

Summing Up

The complexity of how bad is wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia is an important consideration. Therefore, it is vital to understand the role of different types of anesthesia during the surgery. The tooth is often removed under local anesthesia, a moderately austere and painless procedure. However, in complex matters, a general anesthetic is the right option. Whenever you feel any complications, seek professional help from an experienced dentist and discuss treatment options.

Also Read: What to do in a Dental Emergency?