Debunking Tooth Extractions Myths

Debunking Tooth Extraction Myths

We know that when tooth extraction is discussed, it can be a scary subject. After all, no one likes to think about having teeth pulled out of your mouth! Let us help you realize that there are actual benefits to the process of tooth extraction. With our help, we can clear up a few common misconceptions about tooth extraction, and soon, you won’t have to suffer from damaged or decayed teeth any longer!

Why are teeth extracted or removed?

There are various reasons why a tooth is extracted from the mouth. One of the most common reasons is that the tooth erupts in an abnormally wrong direction. Other times can be due to crowding of the teeth, excessive tooth decay, infection, making space for dental prosthetics or braces, trauma or injury to the teeth or the jaw bone, etc. are other causes that may result in tooth extraction. When it comes to getting an extraction, there are two types of extractions, simple extraction and surgical extraction. In either situation, a local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area around your tooth so you’ll only feel pressure, not pain, during the procedure. 

simple extraction involves the removal of a tooth in one piece and is also above the gum line. 

surgical extraction is a complex procedure. The gum tissue or bone of the tooth may be removed along with the tooth.

Myth 1 - Tooth Extractions are painful

This is probably the most common misconception and the biggest common myth about tooth extractions. While you may feel some apprehension about having an extraction, the process should not cause you any discomfort. During your extraction, you may feel some pressure during the process, however, you will not feel any pain. This is because modern dentists use minimally invasive extraction methods and advanced technology. At Sloan Creek Dental, we offer local anaesthesia or intravenous anaesthesia to make patients feel as comfortable as possible.

Extractions can be stressful, and we do everything possible to make it easier on you. If you need an extraction, Dr. Feng or an oral surgeon uses a combination of local anaesthetic gel to numb the area and a specialized dental forceps to extract it. It varies by case, but most procedures usually take a few minutes. Before you know it, the extraction will be finished. Once the tooth is extracted, there may be some pain and discomfort, but this can be treated with painkillers, and it should decrease after a couple of days.

Myth 2 - Recovering From a Tooth Extraction Is a long and painful Process

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after having a tooth pulled, however, the dentist will provide you with some pain medication to help alleviate your pain. After the medication wears off, the recovery time should only take about 1-2 weeks for your mouth to heal. Most patients experience minor pain lasting a few days after the tooth is pulled. After your extraction procedure, Dr. Feng will give you aftercare instructions on how to recover quickly and do’s and don’ts so you can recover as soon as possible.

Myth 3 – Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Pulled

Dentists and oral surgeons used to recommend wisdom tooth extraction as soon as they began to erupt in a patient’s late teens or early twenties. Most modern dentists now believe that wisdom tooth extractions are not always necessary as each case will vary from patient to patient. In certain cases where treatment is not required, wisdom teeth can sometimes erupt normally without causing problems, especially in patients who have extra space in their mouths.

Whether you should remove your wisdom teeth is something you and your dentist can’t know without an examination. When you schedule a consultation with your local dentist in Fairview, we’ll examine your teeth and jaw to determine the best course of action. If your wisdom teeth do not pose a threat to your oral health, they may not need to be pulled at all!

Myth 4 – Extracting an Infected or Damaged Tooth Is Always the Best Option

Dentists and oral surgeons used to recommend wisdom tooth extraction as soon as they began to erupt in a patient’s late teens or early twenties. Most modern dentists now believe that wisdom tooth extractions are not always necessary as each case will vary from patient to patient. In some instances where treatment is not required, wisdom teeth can sometimes erupt normally without causing problems, especially in patients who have extra space in their mouths.

Whether you should remove your wisdom teeth is something you and your dentist can’t know without an examination. When you schedule a consultation with your local dentist in Fairview, we’ll examine your teeth and jaw to determine the best course of action. If your wisdom teeth do not pose a threat to your oral health, they may not need to be pulled at all!

Myth 5 - I'm too old to get my teeth extracted

No matter what age, most oral surgery patients can benefit from an extraction procedure if dental treatment is required. In certain situations with wisdom tooth removal, it is best to remove it before it becomes fully developed as it could cause problems after it has matured. Regardless of age, patients need to consider removing the tooth if it is severely infected, damaged, or grows at the wrong angle.

Myth 6 - Most people have problems after a tooth is extracted

While a tooth extraction is usually performed without severe complications, it can still be a stressful experience for some patients. The good news is that your local dentist in Fairview is always ready to help you understand the procedure, ease your concerns, and make your recovery as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Most tooth extractions are performed with no complications or discomfort. In fact, most patients notice little to no pain after the procedure is completed, and the gum tissue begins to heal shortly thereafter.

Although everyone is different, it’s rare for a tooth extraction procedure to result in any complications. If an issue occurs like prolonged bleeding, it can be cared for by packing the area with some gauze and to wait for the region to clot up.

Myth 7 - Replacing an extracted tooth is not necessary

When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding teeth lose the necessary support and may shift. The result can be crooked or misaligned teeth or new gaps among existing teeth. This compromises your oral health, your adjacent teeth, and you may feel uncomfortable eating or have a compromised smile.

Fortunately, replacing missing teeth is an effective way to maintain good dental health, restore your confidence in your smile and bite, and prevent more severe problems from developing. There are several tooth replacement options to replace your natural tooth. Such as dental implants, dentures, dental bridges or crowns – discuss them with your dentists to see which treatment works best for you.

Myth 8 - A tooth extraction only happens for decayed teeth

This is a common myth where most people think you only need an extraction due to decay or damage to the tooth. However, that’s not always the case. There are other situations where an extraction is necessary, such as:

  • Teeth crowding, for orthodontic treatment
  • Tooth alignment abnormal development of the teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Risk of tooth infection
  • Impacted tooth
  • Root canal treatment not possible
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.  

Have more Dental questions?

If you think you might need a tooth extraction because your wisdom teeth are coming in, you have an infected tooth, or you have a tooth that has been damaged in an accident, make an appointment with your local Allen Dentist, Dr. Feng.  During the examination, Dr. Feng will perform an oral examination to determine whether a tooth extraction is the best option for you. 

If you have any questions at all, or would just like to schedule an appointment with a member of our staff, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (972) 468-1440 or contact our office by leaving us a message.