Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures. It is one of the traditional ways to deal with toothaches, decay and damage. Furthermore, extraction has been the go-to dental treatment for most patients back in the day. It is a common concern among patients that the procedure is painful. This is one of the major reasons why most patients refuse to visit their dentists. If you’re experiencing this and you worry about the pain, then read on to discover the fallacies surrounding the procedure.
First myth: Everyone needs to have their wisdom tooth removed
In the past, it was very common for dentists and oral surgeons to recommend wisdom tooth extraction. This usually happens as soon as they began to erupt during a patient’s late teens and early twenties. Moreover, this procedure was always associated with pain. Nowadays, most modern dentists do not think extractions are always necessary for wisdom teeth.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may erupt properly without any ill effects. This is especially true among patients who have extra space in their dental arches. To know if the removal of your wisdom tooth is necessary, a visit to the dental clinic is needed for evaluation. Your Waterloo dentist will take dental X-ray images to see how your wisdom tooth will be erupting. This will provide him with a clear picture of your dental case scenario.
Second myth: The recovery period is long after the extraction
The recovery period after a tooth extraction will only take one to two weeks for your tooth’s socket to heal. Furthermore, you only feel pain and discomfort for a few days after the procedure, after the anesthesia wears off. As long as you follow the aftercare tips from your dentist, then you will be able to recover quickly. This will also help you get back to your normal daily routine.
Third myth: Tooth extraction is a painful procedure
Severe pain during the treatment is one of the biggest myths about extractions. Many patients think that the removal process of the tooth is excruciating and will take a long time. However, this is not the case since modern dentists use minimally invasive extraction methods and advanced numbing agents. This is to ensure the comfort of their patients throughout the extraction.
The initial step your dentist does when doing a regular or wisdom tooth extraction is to numb the area. The process usually includes loosening of the tooth with a tool called the elevator. As a result, only minimal force is necessary to remove your damaged or decayed tooth. It also provides you with a comfortable experience throughout the dental procedure.
If you have a low pain tolerance, inform your dentist so he can administer sedatives to you. This way, you’ll go through the procedure painlessly. You will also be given with prescription painkillers after extraction to ease any form of discomfort thereafter.
Fourth myth: An infected tooth always calls for an extraction
Tooth infections can happen to anyone. Most patients automatically think about tooth extraction as the solution for it. However, dental procedures such as root canal therapy will save your tooth from being removed. This endodontic treatment treats and removes the infection from the roots of your teeth and restores their function and durability. Not only will you be able to smile with your set of natural teeth, yet, you’ll also save your precious tooth.
Moreover, if you choose to have your infected tooth removed, this will create a gap in your dental arch. This will lead to teeth movement if left unreplaced by dental prostheses like dental bridges or implants. On one hand, if you have to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction, a replacement won’t be necessary.
These myth busters about dental extraction will help you decide to get that proper dental care you deserve. It is always important to talk to professionals and your dentist about the need to remove your teeth. There are various alternative procedures like root canal therapy and dental veneers that can save your teeth from being extracted. If you want to know more about dental extractions and costs, visit your local dentist today.
