For many patients, the fear of a tooth extraction is far worse than the procedure itself. Not knowing what to expect is a big part of the anxiety, so the best thing to do is take the mystery out of it. Continue reading to see what a tooth extraction feels like with your periodontist from start to finish so you can go to your appointment with confidence.
Before It Starts: Getting Numb
The first thing your periodontist will do is numb the area with a local anesthetic. You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the injection is given, but the sensation passes quickly. Once the anesthetic takes effect, usually within a few minutes, the tooth and surrounding tissue will be completely numb.
Periodontists perform surgical procedures all the time, so they’ve developed a careful and precise method for delivering anesthetics.
During the Extraction: Pressure, Not Pain
What you’ll likely feel during your extraction is a combination of pressure and movement instead of pain. Your periodontist is specially trained to note the relationship between your teeth and the surrounding tissues, so their technique is more refined than a general dentist’s.
They’ll use instruments, like an elevator and periotomes to detach the tooth from the ligaments that hold it in place. Once loosened, they’ll carefully grasp it with forceps and rock it back and forth until it’s free.
During this process, you may feel pressure, and occasionally you’ll hear sounds that seem more dramatic than they actually are. Even so, nothing is wrong, and you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. However, if you do feel pain at any point, let your periodontist know immediately so they can administer more anesthetic.
After the Extraction: What Recovery Feels Like
Once the numbness wears off after a few hours, you may feel some soreness and tenderness around the extraction site. However, this is completely normal. Most patients describe it as a dull ache rather than sharp pain, so you should be able to manage it well with little effort.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically enough to take the edge off the first couple of days. Following your aftercare instructions carefully will make a huge difference in how smoothly your recovery goes, so don’t ignore them.
Extractions are far less painful than most people expect. With modern anesthesia and a well-trained, compassionate periodontist in your corner, your procedure and recovery will be a breeze.
About the Practice
At Georgia Periodontics, Dr. Litterer and Dr. Scher bring decades of specialized periodontal expertise to patients across four Georgia locations—Decatur, Duluth, Dunwoody, and Peachtree Corners. From surgical extractions to dental implants and advanced gum care, our team is committed to comfortable, expert-level treatment every step of the way. Contact your nearest location to schedule an appointment today.