Five Common Myths about Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are unpleasant, and most people who have undergone one will likely provide you with various answers. Some people will give simple explanations about the procedure, while others will offer you terrifying tales. If you receive a recommendation for tooth removal from the dentist near you, the myths you hear about this procedure can encourage you to consider skipping it until your condition worsens. However, when you ignore the recommendation from your dentist, your oral and overall well-being suffers because tooth extractions are only recommended as a last resort when all other techniques to preserve the tooth have failed.
Feeling overwhelmed when recommended tooth extractions is standard, especially when informed that an abnormally developed wisdom tooth needs removal. However, before we explain the myths about tooth extraction, let us tell you about the reasons why tooth removal is recommended by dentists who are saviors of your teeth.
The Tooth Removal Procedure
You either undergo a simple surgical tooth extraction depending on its location, shape, size, and position.
If you have an infected tooth visible above the gum line, your dentist recommends a simple extraction where they give you local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth to ensure you feel no pain during the extraction. Dentists use instruments called elevators to loosen the tooth before removing it with forceps.
If you must undergo extraction of an impacted tooth, the procedure is complex because it entails removing gum tissue and bone or both. In such cases, oral surgeons remove the tooth by cutting it into pieces. When undergoing surgical extractions, you may receive local anesthesia besides intravenous anesthesia to ensure the process is comfortable.
Some Common Myths about Tooth Extraction
1. Tooth Extractions Cause Incredible Pain
If you believe the myth, you will likely skip the extraction. However, nothing is further than the truth because tooth extraction uses advanced anesthesia and performs minimally invasive extraction techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Dentists also use modern instruments to remove the tooth from its socket after loosening it. They complete the entire procedure within an hour or even minutes in some cases.
2. Wisdom Teeth Extractions Are Normal
A common misconception exists among everyone’s minds that wisdom teeth removal is essential. However, many people develop wisdom teeth normally because they have excess space in their jaw. If you want to determine whether your wisdom teeth need an extraction, schedule a consultation with our dentist in 75067, who performs a comprehensive exam with x-rays to determine whether your third molar needs removal or not.
3. Tooth Removal Is Inevitable
The circumstances prompting tooth removal are entirely different. Before considering a recommendation for tooth removal, dentists exhaust all other options to treat and preserve an affected tooth instead of eliminating it from your mouth. Some solutions dentists recommend are root canal therapy and dental crowns. Tooth extractions become inevitable only after treatment options are exhausted by the dentist and the tooth becomes detrimental to your oral health.
4. Tooth Extraction Recovery Requires Months
In stark contrast, you might recover from the tooth removal procedure after three or four days. While comprehensive recovery needs a couple of weeks for the tooth socket to heal entirely, you can resume your everyday activities in your four days, remembering that you must follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and ensure your stay away from strenuous activities like exercising or lifting heavy objects for fear of dislodging the blood clot in your mouth. Dislodging the blood clot subjects you to incredible pain and requires treatments from emergency dentists.
5. Tooth Replacements Are Not Required for Extracted Teeth
When you have a tooth extracted, it leaves behind an edentulous gap encouraging the neighboring teeth to shift towards it. The movement causes misalignment in your mouth, leaving you with crooked and gapped teeth. You also become prone to problems with indigestion because of the lack of ability to chew foods correctly and swallow large chunks. Your smile also remains impacted because of the missing tooth gaps leaving you in an embarrassing situation.
You can overcome all the above problems by getting tooth replacements using solutions like dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Get Tooth Extraction Near You
These are myths of tooth extractions that are popular among everyone. However, if you wonder whether you need a tooth extraction in Lewisville, TX, or suspect you may need the procedure, we suggest you schedule an appointment with Arte Dental — Lewisville to undergo an oral examination to determine whether tooth removal is a suitable procedure for you.