Unfortunately, when a myth forms, it usually sticks around for a long time. Even when the truth comes out, some myths persist. Take tooth extractions, for instance. Although many of the myths surrounding this advanced procedure are shrouded in mystery until you need one and go through it yourself. However, these four myths are the most common as well as explanations of the truths behind them.
Myth #1: Tooth Extractions Hurt.
Fear of additional pain can keep many people in desperate need of treatment away from the dentist. However, in some situations, leaving a failing tooth in the mouth can cause more damage and pain. Before starting the extraction process, particularly if you already feel pain, your dentist can give you a local anesthetic, numbing the area. If your tooth is easily accessible, they will gently rock it back and forth until it naturally comes loose.
After the anesthetic wears off, you’ll likely need to take over-the-counter pain reliever because your mouth may feel sore for a couple of days. In addition, if the blood clot that is supposed to form over the extraction is detached too soon, you may develop a complication called dry socket, which can be painful. However, if you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can experience a perfectly smooth, relatively pain-free recovery.
Myth #2: Recovery from a Tooth Extraction Takes a Long Time.
This procedure is considered minor surgery, which means you can’t bounce back from it immediately; however, unlike more serious surgical treatments, tooth extraction doesn’t require weeks of rest and rehabilitation to recuperate. In fact, you may only need to take a couple of days off work, depending on how much activity your job involves.
Especially in the first 48 hours following your extraction, you need to relax, only have fluids and soft foods, and stay away from straws and smoking to keep the necessary blood clot in place for faster, better healing. With a little patience and following your dentist’s instructions, you can get back to normal life in no time!
Myth #3: Extraction Is Always the Best Solution for Damaged Teeth.
Eager to get rid of their problem, some patients assume simply removing an ailing tooth altogether is the best treatment. On the contrary, your dentist will usually recommend the least invasive option first. If a natural tooth can be saved through root canal treatment or early gum disease treatment, it is often better to go with one of these. Although replacements like dental implants come remarkably close to replicating actual tooth structure, truly nothing beats the real thing! In other situations, the tooth itself or the gum and jawbone tissue may be too badly damaged to rescue the tooth, making removal essential.
Myth #4: You Don’t Need to Replace Extracted Teeth.
With only a few exceptions, namely wisdom teeth and extracted teeth for orthodontic treatment, most teeth taken out of your mouth do need to be replaced. In fact, a single lost tooth can throw off the rest of your smile by giving other teeth space to spread out and fill in the gap. This shift can change how upper and lower teeth meet up, affecting your bite, wearing down certain teeth more than others, and even causing jaw pain or headaches. Without a root to keep the jawbone stimulated, it starts to shrink over time and weaken your mouth over time.
Fortunately, you have multiple replacement options available, including dental implants, the highest recommended prosthetic teeth. While traditional bridges and dentures can keep the alignment of your smile as it should be, implants address the missing roots, helping you keep the strong, healthy smile you’ll need for the rest of your life.
In the end, you can’t always believe what you hear—it sometimes gets passed on by people who don’t really have personal experience. Those who have recently had a tooth extraction can verify the truth and actually help you know what’s coming.
About the Practice
With seven talented dentists on staff, our team at Capron Park Dental bust dental care myths every day. Our patients appreciate that we practice with their best interests at heart, preserving their smiles as much as possible and not pushing unnecessary or unwanted treatment on them. If you think you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, contact our Attleboro dental practice online here or call our office at 508-222-5950 to schedule an appointment.