There are a lot of myths being spread about tooth extractions, increasing people's fears about this procedure. In this post, our Nanaimo dentists debunk a few of these misconceptions.
When a Tooth Needs To Be Extracted
During a tooth extraction, we surgically remove a tooth that has become problematic. It may be damaged, crowding the other teeth in your mouth, or not coming in properly. This could cause pain and discomfort, making extraction your best option.
The procedure is sometimes known as “pulling teeth”. There’s no reason to fear a tooth extraction.
Myths About Tooth Extractions
Here are some myths about the procedure that we often hear from concerned patients:
1. It's painful to have a tooth pulled.
One of the most pervasive misconceptions around tooth extraction is that you’ll feel pain during the procedure. However, this is no longer true as anesthesia, modern technology, and best-in-practice dental techniques are used to minimize pain.
2. Tooth extraction is a first-choice dental procedure.
This is also untrue. At Brooks Landing Dental Clinic, we try to avoid extracting teeth in favour of preventive, more non-invasive treatment methods, since extraction can sometimes result in dental issues (such as misalignment) or needing more treatments such as tooth replacements in the future.
Unless the tooth is severely infected, damaged, fractured, or decayed beyond repair, alternatives such as a root canal are often recommended.
However, sometimes a tooth extraction is unavoidable. A couple of ways to reduce your chances of needing a tooth extraction are to practice excellent oral hygiene and to wear a mouthguard during high-impact sports and physical activities.
3. It takes a long time to recover after tooth removal.
Though you may envision having to cancel commitments and adjust your schedule for some time, this isn’t the case. In most situations, you should recover from the surgery within 3 to 4 days and be able to return to work or school.
However, some patients take up to a week to recover if the extraction was complex. Though complete healing of the tooth socket may take 2 to 4 weeks, your mouth should be functional again within those few days. To speed recovery, stick to a diet of soft foods and avoid smoking, or performing a strenuous physical activity that could dislodge the blood clot.
Ask your dentist about other after-care instructions that help to promote healing, reduce pain and prevent the tooth socket from becoming infected.
4. Everyone has to get their wisdom teeth removed.
While you may hear about lots of people between the ages of 17 and 25 having to get their wisdom teeth extracted, there are instances where our dentists will not recommend the procedure. In some cases, your wisdom teeth may emerge without causing potential harm, pain, or damage to the rest of your teeth.
To find out whether you need your wisdom teeth removed, schedule an appointment with our Nanaimo dentists.