Tooth extraction is a common procedure performed in most dental offices, but it’s not one that many professionals recommend. Why? Natural teeth are considered most dependable when it comes to eating, speaking, and feeling confident in your smile. However, when learning you need to have one or more pearly whites removed, you may stumble across a lot of misinformation, especially as it pertains to tooth removal. Keep reading to discover three distinct myths that have been busted, so you can breathe easier as you move forward with treatment.
Myth: You Can Expect to Experience a Lot of Pain.
The actual procedure that is required to remove one or more teeth will not cause you to experience any pain. You’ll be provided with local anesthesia so that your mouth remains number throughout the process.
After the procedure is complete, it will take time for the anesthesia to wear off, which is why we encourage you to pick up any over-the-counter pain relievers or have any prescription painkillers filled before the day of your surgery. Doing so will help you get ahead of any discomfort as the anesthesia dissipates. The discomfort you feel after surgery will only be temporary and can be easily managed with certain medications.
Myth: Tooth Extraction is Always Best for Damaged or Decayed Teeth.
You can expect that your dentist will do everything possible to help you keep your natural teeth; however, when other restorative solutions prove unsuccessful, tooth extraction may be the only possible option.
Removing a tooth requires proper replacement after the healing phase is over unless it’s a wisdom tooth. Failing to replace an extracted tooth can cause your jawbone to begin to resorb, which means you will likely deal with additional tooth loss and facial changes.
If removing your tooth can be avoided, it will be. Otherwise, proper steps will be put into place to ensure the extraction and replacement are executed accordingly.
Myth: Tooth Extraction Recovery Takes a Long Time.
The average recovery timeframe after having a tooth removed is around two weeks. Although you may prefer to be back at work and return to a normal routine much sooner, it’s important that you allow your mouth to fully heal before engaging in any kind of physical activity. Failing to do so can put you at risk of a dry socket, infection, or prolonged bleeding and swelling.
As long as you abide by the instructions provided to you by your dentist, you should be able to resume your normal life much sooner.
As you can see, several myths about tooth extraction carry no truth to them. Knowing which are true and false can often require the help of a trusted professional, so if you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask during your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Mahmoud Homsi is the kind of dentist in Concord who enjoys interacting with patients from all walks of life. No matter the problem or issue an individual is facing, he and our team at Charm Smile Dental are here to provide the best possible care. When a tooth needs to be extracted, you can count on us to walk you through the process and ensure your safety and comfort along the way. We’ll also explain all facets of the treatment, so you can disregard any myths you might find online. Contact us via our website or by calling (603) 228-0123 to learn the truth about tooth extraction.