6 Surprising Myths About Tooth Extraction You Need to Know
There are a few myths and misconceptions about tooth extractions. So whether you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth that needs removal or need a wisdom tooth pulled, our dentist at Taylor-Made Smiles will clear up some of the common myths and explain the truth behind tooth extractions.
Some of these common myths that exist concerning tooth extractions are explained below:
- Tooth Extractions Are Painful
This is probably one of the common myths about tooth extractions. Many people think the procedure of removing a tooth is extremely painful and takes a long time. However, this is not the case. With the advancement in technology, dentists now use minimally invasive extraction procedures and anesthetics to ensure you are comfortable throughout the entire process.
To remove your tooth, a dentist near you will loosen your tooth using a tool called an elevator after numbing the area using anesthesia. Thus you will not feel the extraction pain. They will then use specialized dental forceps to pull your teeth out of their socket. The process takes a few minutes, so it will be over before you even think about it. There might be some little pain and discomfort after the tooth is removed, but this can be managed with pain relievers.
- Recovering From An Extraction is a Long Process
This is another untrue statement. While it may take at most two weeks for your tooth’s socket to completely heal after the tooth extraction, most patients will only feel discomfort and pain for a few days after the procedure.
If you follow the aftercare instructions from the dentist, you will recover quickly and get back to your normal day-to-day life.
- Tooth Extraction Means Removing the Tooth Without Its Root
Another surprising myth is that many believe that extracting a tooth means removing just the crown part of your teeth, not the roots. However, this is always not the case. Instead, tooth extraction involves the removal of the entire tooth, including its root. This is because the severe inflammations that necessitate an extraction lie on your tooth’s root or the tissue around it.
- Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Pulled
A few years ago, it was very common for a dentist or oral surgeons to recommend removing all the wisdom teeth as soon as they began erupting during a patient’s teen years or early twenties. Now, most dentists do not think that it is necessary to remove any wisdom teeth. Because in some cases, the wisdom teeth may erupt properly without having any negative effects, especially among patients with enough or extra space in their mouths.
To determine whether you need to remove your wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Rutherford. During your dental appointment, your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination that may include X-rays. If they find out that your wisdom teeth will not threaten your oral health, they may not need to pull them out.
- Extracting A Damaged or Infected Tooth is Always the Best Option
This is also another common myth. Some people think that if the tooth is severely damaged on infected, the best idea is to have them rather pulled out than trying to save them. However, this is not always the case. As a rule, it is better to try saving the tooth before considering other options like extraction.
There are available options that dentists can recommend before extracting a damaged or infected tooth, including a root canal or dental crowns. While having your tooth might be the best option, preserving as much of the remaining tooth as possible is important.
- Replacing An Extracted Tooth is Not Necessary
Some people think that there is no need to replace the extracted tooth. Experts warn against this myth. If you do not replace your extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge, it may cause your other teeth to move out of place and misalign.
The jawbone may also deteriorate if it is not supported properly, affecting your ability to chew, speak correctly, your appearance, and your general health and well-being.
Of course, tooth extraction is sometimes intended, and tooth replacement is unnecessary, for instance, during orthodontic treatments. Consult your dentist offering tooth extractions near you on the best treatment options for your case.