Myths about
tooth extraction ?. Let's face it, the very thought of tooth extraction is unpleasant and if you ask people regarding their experience with tooth extraction, you might receive varied answers – Some are most likely to exaggerate terrifying tales; while some will simply explain the whole process. These terrifying tales will make most people, who want to undergo tooth extraction, to doubt or even skip this procedure until their condition worsens. This will eventually affect a person's
oral health or even their overall wellness.
We agree feeling overwhelmed, nervous or uncomfortable is normal. However, having misconceptions is not something we want to normalize. Hence, we have listed 5 common myths or misconceptions about tooth extraction you should know. But before we touch those misconceptions, let's try and gather some background information about the reasons for tooth extraction and the tooth extraction procedure.
Why are teeth extracted or removed?
There are several reasons why a tooth is extracted. The most common of them all is abnormal eruption of a wisdom tooth. Besides this, teeth crowding, excessive
tooth decay, tooth infection, making space for dental braces or prosthetics and trauma/injury to the tooth or the bone are some of the reasons. Of course, there is a possibility of other reasons a tooth has to be extracted besides the ones listed here.
Procedure for a tooth extraction
Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on the tooth's shape, size, position, and location in the mouth.
A simple extraction involves removal of a tooth in one piece, that is visible above the gums. A local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth, is administered so you'll only feel the pressure, not the pain, during the procedure. A tool called dental elevator is also used to loosen the tooth.
This is a slightly complicated procedure. It involves the removal of gum tissue, bone, or at times, both. Unlike simple extraction, where the tooth is removed in one piece; here the surgeon might have to remove the tooth in pieces. Both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia are administered. However, depending on medical conditions, the dentist may also administer general anesthesia.
Myths or Misconceptions about Tooth Extraction
Myth #1: Tooth Extractions are extremely painful
Fact: Probably one of the biggest myths about tooth extractions. Many think that the process of tooth extraction is extremely painful. However, this fear is far from the truth. Modern dental clinics, like ours, use advanced anesthesia and minimally invasive extraction methods to ensure the comfort of patients throughout the entire process. Not only this, after numbing the part with anesthesia, the dentist or the oral surgeon makes use of a tool called a Dental Elevator to loosen the tooth. During the procedure, you might feel the pressure, but you will not feel the pain. The entire process is mostly completed in half-an-hour to an hour. At times, in a couple of minutes!
Myth #2: Everyone needs their wisdom teeth pulled
Fact: Wisdom tooth extraction is not always necessary. They always do not pose oral issues. In cases of people with excess space within their mouths, wisdom teeth may erupt without any harm which do not require removal. To determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed, schedule a consultation with Dental Solutions Clinic in Bangalore and we will perform a comprehensive oral examination that includes x-rays and determine if your wisdom tooth needs to be extracted or not.
Myth #3: Tooth removal or extraction is the only option
Fact: This is not always the case. Before jumping on to tooth extraction as an option, dentists prefer to preserve and save the tooth rather than have it extracted completely.
Root canal treatment or dental crowns are some of the appropriate alternate solutions. However, if the dentist sees that the tooth is irreparable, then extraction may be needed.
Myth #4: Recovery from a tooth extraction takes a long time, sometimes 6 months
Fact: While it will take about 1-2 weeks for the tooth's socket to completely heal, most patients recover from the surgery after 3-4 days. Patients also resume their normal day-to-day activities post 3-4 days. If you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist, you'll be able to recover quickly and get back to your normal day-to-day life.
The most important part to keep in check is to avoid any strenuous activities that might cause the blood to clot over the wound or dislodge the stitches.
Myth #5: Replacing an extracted tooth is not necessary
Fact: When a tooth is extracted, a gap is created and the surrounding teeth no longer have adequate support. They now have a tendency to shift. This will cause the teeth to become crooked or new gaps will be created between the existing teeth. It will cause several oral issues – For example: Eating might seem like a challenging task or your smile can be affected as well.
Replacing missing teeth is the key to maintaining good
dental health, restoring your confidence in your smile, and maintaining a fully functioning bite.
Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options like –
Dental implants,
Dentures or Dental bridges or crowns – which you can discuss with your dentists
These were a few myths we have debunked. If you have any queries about tooth extraction, feel free to reach out to us.
If you are looking for a dental examination to know if tooth extraction is required, schedule an appointment and we will conduct an oral examination and determine whether a tooth extraction is the right choice for you.
