For some people, pain is a hassle they often can ignore. But while a higher pain threshold may be associated with toughness, it may not be a steely demeanour or extreme mental toughness; it may be in your genes.
Recent studies have shown a clear difference in pain experience between the genders. These researchers discovered that "when the body is injured, it releases a flood of pain-relieving substances, notably beta-endorphins, a natural opioid. But many women's bodies release fewer beta-endorphins than men's bodies do."
Other factors also impact your ability to withstand pain. For example, the same research linked pain to stress, finding that "life events, such as the death of a close friend or family member or job loss, can increase pain sensitivity." But one thing these factors miss entirely is the core reason for pain. It's essentially your body's way of telling you something is wrong.
This understanding of pain is central when considering tooth extraction. The dental team with Dr Matthew Kinsella is committed to your oral health, comfort, and well-being with every service we offer. So, if we recommend the removal of a damaged tooth, you can rest assured that we've exhausted all other options and will handle your extraction with gentle and compassionate care.
Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extracted
If you need a tooth removed, the damage may come from various sources. Here are a few:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Tooth trauma causing a fracture to the gum line
- Failure of a large tooth cavity
- Damage from a severe tooth infection unresolvable by root canal therapy
Only in rare cases will Dr Kinsella turn to extraction for aesthetic reasons, where a less-invasive restoration option may be preferable. Our team will present all the options available to treat tooth damage, and the final decision rests with you.
The Painful Truth behind Tooth Extractions in West Perth
Pulling a tooth may sound on the surface like an uncomfortable procedure, but with the advanced tools and techniques available, Dr Kinsella can perform the procedure to resolve tooth pain. Most patients facing a tooth extraction have already suffered the worst part of the condition. For example, a deep tooth cavity that has not been filled, or where the filling has failed, can serve as a path for infection. If this bacterial condition reaches your inner tooth, it enflames the nerve, which results in excruciating pain.
So in many cases, you're suffering before your tooth extraction, and we can offer relief to you and a restoral of your general health.
We Provide You Comfort during Treatment
When you need a procedure like a tooth extraction, you couldn't choose a more supportive or helpful team than Dr Kinsella's. That's because we put ourselves in your place to make your comfort a priority in everything we do. So whether we're removing a single tooth or multiple teeth, you can count on us to make the process as stress-free as possible.
We begin with the precise application of a local anesthetic so that your mouth is thoroughly numb. We also offer nitrous oxide or laughing gas if you think you could benefit from some extra relaxation. Of course, you won't go to sleep with nitrous, but you'll feel drowsy and relaxed.
Tips and Instructions for Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once your tooth is gone, Dr Kinsella may apply a small suture in the spot it once occupied. Because your tooth root extends to your jawbone, its absence leaves an opening called an empty socket. Part of the healing process is keeping this socket sealed, usually by a blood clot formed after the procedure.
In the days following your visit, your main goal is to avoid breaking the seal on your socket, which could lead to a painful condition called a dry socket. Here are some tips:
- Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw – suction can damage the clot
- Eat only soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, yoghurt and soup
- Let high-temperature liquids like coffee or tea cool down
- Chew more on the opposite side as your socket
- Control pain with over-the-counter medicine or a cold compress
Within several days, you should feel only minor soreness; over time, your socket will heal and close completely. But that's not the end of the story.
Tooth Replacement Is Necessary for Long-Term Health
Besides wisdom teeth, Dr Kinsella will always encourage you to replace any missing teeth. Without a tooth replacement, your neighbouring teeth may begin to drift and move into the open space. Tooth movement is linked to an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay and painful jaw joint problems due to biting misalignments.
We can offer numerous solutions for missing teeth depending on your needs. This is why we provide a complete treatment plan which may include a dental implant, dentures or a dental bridge. Your smile situation is a unique reflection, and we hope to provide the care which protects its strength and appearance.
Tooth Extraction in West Perth
You may require that we remove a tooth for a host of reasons, but regardless of why you can count on thorough and professional care from Dr Matthew Kinsella's team. To learn more about our complete line of restorative dental services, from diagnosis to extraction and, finally, tooth replacement, please get in touch with our dental office to set up a consultation today.