Misinformation abounds in our digital day and age. Everything from alligators living in sewers to poisoned Halloween candy is up for debate. Legends have even sprung up in dental practices, largely in the area of tooth extraction. Many people have common misconceptions about this procedure – let’s set the record straight once and for all!
Myth #1: Tooth Extraction is Painful
You’ve no doubt heard the expression “like pulling teeth” used to describe a difficult situation. People think that having a tooth removed is a long, drawn-out, painful procedure, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Thanks to local anesthetics like lidocaine and Novocain, the process is virtually painless. Your dentist will thoroughly numb the extraction site by injecting one of these medicines into your gums, and you’ll feel the tiniest “pinch.” After that, you’ll likely only feel a little pressure (not pain) as the tooth is loosened with a tool called an elevator, then pulled out of its socket with dental forceps. The process usually only takes a few minutes and is over before you know it!
You may feel some discomfort when the medicine wears off, but that can typically be tolerated with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Myth #2: Extraction is the Best Option
On the contrary, extraction is usually the last resort of a dentist because they’d like to save the tooth if possible if it’s cracked or infected. A root canal or dental crown is usually recommended in this instance. During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected pulp inside the tooth, clean the canals, and then seal off the opening they created. In some cases, the tooth needs a crown to protect it and restore function, which can be done during the same visit or at a follow-up appointment. Preservation is the name of the game!
Myth #3: Recovery is Long and Painful
While full healing of the bone and gums can take a few weeks, most people return to normal activities within 1 to 2 days. If you avoid hard foods, don’t smoke, and follow your dentist’s instructions, recovery is usually smooth and uneventful. Complications like dry socket, in which the blood clot over the extraction comes loose, are rare if you follow aftercare advice.
Myth #4: Wisdom Teeth Must Come Out
This is not always necessarily the case. Wisdom teeth are usually extracted due to issues like crowding, misalignment, or they don’t properly erupt from the gums. However, if your wisdom teeth come in properly and do not create any complications, your dentist will likely not recommend that you have them removed.
Tooth extractions are far less scary than they sound, especially when you’re informed and prepared. If you’re facing an extraction, don’t let myths and horror stories guide your expectations. Talk to your dentist, ask questions, and focus on the long-term benefits of a healthier mouth.
About the Author
Dr. Jordan Hardin earned his DDS degree from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in Lincoln before moving to Amarillo where he worked as an associate dentist. He has completed many hours of continuing education and is a Fellow in Implant Dentistry through Implant Pathway’s Dental Implant Continuum. If you have questions about tooth extraction, contact our team for an appointment at (972) 964-8989 or visit our website.