Tooth Extraction

If you have never had a tooth pulled, it certainly sounds scary and painful.  It is not.  Dr. Hansen strives to keep all patients as comfortable as possible, especially during a tooth extraction.

Having a tooth pulled in the “old days” really was painful, but with the advances in dental anesthesia, it is not painful anymore.  Fear of going to the dentist is a real condition and facing a tooth extraction can make it worse.  Knowing that it is not a painful procedure can help allay those fears.

The anesthetic injection to numb the tooth being pulled is not even a major obstacle now.  A swab with numbing gel is placed on the gums where the anesthesia will be administered.  The injection itself should be nothing more than a pinching sensation.  The jaw begins numbing almost immediately after the injection begins.  The anesthesia is then allowed to spread and take effect before the extraction begins.  If the tiniest amount of pain is felt during the procedure, more anesthesia is administered.

After the area around the tooth is entirely numb, the tooth is gently rocked to loosen it from the socket.  With any luck, the entire tooth will be extracted at one time, but it may need to be removed in pieces.  A popping sound may be heard, but since your ears are attached to the jaw, understand that it sounds much louder to you than anyone else.  It does not mean anything is wrong, just maybe surprising.

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Hansen will discuss replacement options for the tooth being removed.