It’s pretty safe to say that nobody looks forward to a tooth extraction. But for many people, getting one sounds a lot worse than it truly is. That’s because when it comes to this common procedure, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. If your dentist has recommended removal of a tooth or teeth, here’s some clarification regarding some popular misconceptions about this important treatment.
Myth #1 – It’s Painful
The good news about tooth extraction is that your mouth will be numbed for the procedure, meaning that aside from some pressure, you won’t feel a thing. You may notice some discomfort in the days following your removal; however, this is temporary and can usually be well managed with the help of over-the-counter pain medicine.
Myth #2 – Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Removed
While in many cases it is recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, this is not true for everyone. In fact, many people still have their wisdom teeth. Your dentist will only recommend extraction if yours are painful, impacted, growing sideways, or crowding and causing damage to your neighboring teeth.
Myth #3 – Recovery Takes Forever
While it can take up to two weeks to fully recover from your tooth extraction, the good news is that most patients feel much better after about three days. If you want to speed up your recovery, be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to the best of your ability.
Myth #4 – It’s Not Necessary to Replace an Extracted Tooth
While this may be true in the case of wisdom teeth, when it comes to any other teeth, it is always recommended that you replace them after extraction. This is because with time, your jawbone will deteriorate if not properly stimulated, making it not only harder to speak and chew, but also putting you at risk for losing more teeth or even eventually needing a bone graft to repair your jaw.
Remember, a tooth extraction isn’t exactly anyone’s favorite dental procedure, but sometimes it is necessary to protect your healthy teeth and gums. If your dentist has recommended extraction, rest assured that it is only as a last resort, and it is the best option available to keep your mouth healthy.
About Our Practice
At Goodyear Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer a variety of dental services under one convenient roof. Our team of highly qualified dentists is well versed in caring for many oral health issues, including wisdom and other types of tooth extractions.
If you need to have a tooth removed for any reason, speak with Dr. Wheeler, Dr. Vega, or Dr. McDowell about your options. To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 623-925-8208.