Are you experiencing issues with a painful or damaged tooth? If it puts the rest of your oral health at risk, you might need to get it extracted. Though this procedure may be viable and the last resort for keeping your smile safe, many misconceptions about it could cause you to second guess undergoing the process. The truth, however, isn’t so scary! Keep reading to learn the truth behind some of the most common myths about tooth extractions.
Myth 1: Extracting a Tooth Hurts
For most people, removing a tooth sounds scary because of the idea of a painful procedure. However, this couldn’t be further from reality. Like with any dental procedure, your dentist will first make sure that you’re pain-free by administering a local anesthetic in the area of your mouth that they’ll work on. This means you should expect to undergo the entire process without having to worry about discomfort. It’s also normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity after your surgery, but this can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice pack.
Myth 2: You Don’t Need to Replace Extracted Teeth
After having a compromised tooth removed, you might still have a few steps to take. Even if an extraction was the most viable option for preserving your oral health, replacing it may be necessary to avoid further complications. Tooth loss typically leaves your smile vulnerable to dental shifting, as your other nearby teeth will try to fill the gap(s). The jawbone will also begin to shrink due to a lack of stimulation from roots. To prevent these issues, you’ll need to replace your missing tooth with a restoration like a dental bridge, denture, or implant.
Myth 3: Tooth Extraction Recovery Time Takes Forever
Most oral surgeries will involve a healing period, and the timeframe will depend on various factors, including the kind of service you’ve undergone. While a tooth extraction is a major procedure, it only takes about a couple of weeks or less for the socket to completely heal afterward. Of course, you’ll need to follow your dentist’s specific aftercare guidelines to ensure your recovery is as quick and smooth as possible.
Myth 4: Only Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Although wisdom teeth are some of the most commonly extracted pearly whites, not everyone needs to get them removed. Additionally, they aren’t the only teeth that would need to be extracted, as some patients may need to get rid of other back and front ones depending on their unique circumstances. This can be required due to problems like decay, impaction, physical trauma, and too little space in the mouth.
Tooth extractions involve an extensive procedure, but this doesn’t mean they’re unpleasant. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions before and after your treatment, and you should be on your way to enjoying a healthier and more comfortable smile!
About the Author
Raised in a family of dentists, Dr. Arash Vahid has been helping patients achieve their healthiest smiles for many years. He received his dental doctorate from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and is a member of several organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you want to know more about tooth extractions or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call us at 201-484-7759.
