One of the most common concerns patients have when deciding whether to undergo a tooth extraction or get a dental filling is pain. Understanding the pain associated with these two dental procedures can help ease anxiety and prepare for the treatment ahead. In this blog, we will compare the pain levels of a tooth extraction versus a filling, delve into the factors that influence the pain of each procedure, and offer tips for managing discomfort during and after treatment.

The Basics of Tooth Extraction and Filling

Before we compare the pain, it’s important to understand what each procedure involves. While tooth extractions and dental fillings are both common dental treatments, they differ significantly in terms of complexity and the reasons for their need.

Tooth Extraction:
Tooth extraction removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure may be necessary for various reasons, including tooth decay, damage from injury, infection, or crowding. In the case of wisdom teeth, extractions are often done due to impaction or misalignment. While some extractions are simple, others, such as impacted wisdom teeth, can be more complex and require a surgical procedure.

Dental Filling:
A dental filling is used to restore a tooth damaged by decay. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is filled with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or gold. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or worn-down teeth. This procedure typically involves local anaesthetic and is less invasive than an extraction.

Pain of Tooth Extraction

The pain associated with tooth extraction is often described as a more intense sensation, especially if the extraction involves the removal of a whole tooth, such as impacted wisdom teeth. However, the level of pain can vary depending on several factors:

• Type of Extraction: Simple extractions generally involve less pain when a tooth is visible and can be removed easily. However, if the tooth is impacted or if surgery is required, the procedure can be more painful, and recovery may take longer.
• Local Anesthesia: Local anaesthesia helps numb the area around the tooth being extracted. While patients may feel pressure during the extraction, the numbing agent prevents pain. However, some discomfort may occur once the anaesthesia wears off.
• Post-Extraction Pain: After the extraction, patients often experience soreness, swelling, and discomfort around the extraction site. This is due to the trauma of removing the tooth and the body’s natural healing process. Pain relief is usually provided by over-the-counter medication or prescribed painkillers.
• Pain Tolerance: Pain tolerance varies from person to person. Some individuals may feel more discomfort than others, even with the same procedure.

Pain of Dental Fillings

The pain associated with a filling procedure is typically less intense than a tooth extraction, but it can still cause some discomfort. The following factors can influence how painful the filling procedure is:

• Tooth Decay Severity: If the cavity is deep and close to the tooth’s nerve, the filling process may involve more extensive drilling, which could cause some discomfort. A tooth-filling procedure generally involves the dentist drilling into the tooth to remove the decayed material, which can cause vibrations and sounds that some patients find unpleasant.
• Type of Filling: The material used for the filling can affect how much discomfort you experience. For example, a composite resin filling (a tooth-coloured material) requires more precision and may take longer to apply than a silver amalgam filling. While the process is usually painless due to local anaesthesia, the after-effects of the procedure can include sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods.
• Duration of the Procedure: Fillings are typically completed in one visit, and the pain associated with the procedure is generally short-lived. Once the filling is in place, the discomfort should subside.
• Post-Filling Pain: Some people experience tooth pain or sensitivity to temperature changes after the filling. This is usually temporary and should improve as the tooth heals. However, if the filling is too high or there is ongoing discomfort, a follow-up appointment with the dentist may be necessary.

Which is More Painful: Tooth Extraction or Filling?

The answer to the question of which is more painful — tooth extraction or filling — depends on several factors, including the type of extraction or filling, your pain tolerance, and the condition of your tooth. Generally speaking, tooth extractions are more painful than fillings for most people, especially when dealing with wisdom or impacted teeth.

• Tooth Extraction Pain: While local anaesthesia is used, the extraction can be more invasive, and the recovery process often involves swelling, bruising, and soreness. For more complicated extractions, such as wisdom teeth or teeth that are severely decayed, the procedure can be more painful. The discomfort usually subsides within a few days, but the initial pain can be significant.
• Dental Filling Pain: On the other hand, a filling tends to be a much quicker and less painful procedure. The dentist will numb the area with local anaesthesia, and the discomfort typically ends once the cavity is cleaned and filled. The main issue with fillings is post-procedure sensitivity, which is usually mild and temporary.

Managing Pain During and After the Procedure

Pain Relief During Tooth Extraction or Filling:

• Local Anesthesia: Whether you’re having a tooth extracted or a filling placed, local anaesthesia will help numb the affected area, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
• Over-the-counter Pain Medication: After the procedure, you may be advised to take over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation. Your dentist may also prescribe stronger pain medication for tooth extractions for the first few days.
• Cold Compress: After an extraction, applying a cold compress to the affected side of your face can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. For fillings, if you experience any discomfort, a warm compress can relax the muscles around your jaw.

Post-Procedure Care:

• After a Tooth Extraction:
  • Soft Foods: Eating soft foods, like mashed potatoes or soup, can help prevent discomfort and allow your gums to heal.
  • Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: You should avoid hard or chewy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
  • Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to avoid infection. However, be careful not to rinse vigorously or touch the extraction site directly in the first few days.
  • Blood Clot and Healing: It’s important to avoid dislodging the blood clot that forms in the extraction site. Doing so can delay healing and lead to a dry socket, a painful condition.
• After a Dental Filling:
  • Avoid Eating Right Away: After getting a filling, it is recommended that you avoid eating for at least an hour to allow the filling to set.
  • Monitor Sensitivity: Some tooth sensitivity to hot or cold may occur, but it typically fades over time. If the sensitivity persists, consult your dentist to ensure the filling is properly placed.

Conclusion

In general, a tooth extraction tends to be more painful than getting a filling, especially when the extraction is more complex, such as in the case of wisdom teeth or severely decayed teeth. However, both procedures are manageable with proper pain relief and aftercare. The discomfort from a tooth extraction is usually more intense immediately following the procedure, while a filling tends to cause less pain overall. Regardless of the procedure, following your dentist’s instructions for aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and reduce discomfort. Always speak with your dentist about any concerns regarding pain tolerance or anxiety about dental procedures to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible.

For personalized assistance and expert dental care, please contact us at tel: (08) 9783 9006. Our team at Emergency Dentist Perth is here to help you navigate any dental challenges with professionalism and care.

References

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-fillings

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dental-fillings