Tooth extractions have gained a bad reputation over the years. Simply, the thought of teeth getting extracted is enough to bring disturbing mental images along with feelings of pain and discomfort. Despite being an invasive procedure, it’s not as bad as you think. Suppose you are recommended for tooth removal, and you are anxious over it. In that case, it’s likely because of the many myths that you have heard surrounding the dental procedure.
In this article, we will debunk three common myths about tooth extractions to help you have a better and healthier smile:
It’s Painful
A common myth when it comes to tooth extraction is that it’s a painful procedure. As mentioned, this is actually quite the opposite. Thanks to the wonders of anesthesia, the only thing you will feel during the procedure is a bit of pressure. Other than that, tooth extraction barely causes any pain!
For surgical extractions, local and intravenous anesthesia solutions are mostly used to numb your mouth and relax the body and mind. This is because tooth extractions are more invasive as small incisions are made into the gum tissue and even some parts of the bone, in some cases, to extract the tooth. During this time, you will likely be asleep, which means you won’t feel anything at all. After the procedure, there will only be slight discomfort in your mouth and jaw and some swelling.
Tooth Replacement Isn’t Necessary
Many people believe that they don’t need to replace the extracted tooth. However, not replacing the tooth can lead to other dental issues. This is because when a tooth is extracted, the other teeth will start to shift, moving into empty spaces that are left behind. If you don’t take preventive measures, the changes may cause crooked teeth and misaligned bites and these can affect how your smile looks.
Furthermore, remember that your teeth support the jawbone. When you don’t replace damaged teeth, the jawbone may deteriorate, and it will affect how you look and your ability to chew and speak.
Wisdom Teeth Are The Ones That Are Only Extracted
The wisdom teeth are not the only teeth that need to be removed. Many other teeth can be extracted as well, and this is due to several reasons. For some, tooth removal may be recommended due to severe damage caused by tooth decay or if the tooth broke due to an accident or injury.
Another common reason is when a tooth struggles to erupt completely. When this happens, the tooth may become impacted in the gum tissue and cause lots of pain and pressure. Lastly, extracting one or more teeth before orthodontic treatment is common, especially for patients with crowded teeth.
Conclusion
If you are about to have your tooth extracted and you’re anxious because of the various myths you’ve heard, you don’t have to worry anymore. The most important thing to remember is that the procedure isn’t painful. What’s distressing is to endure the pain the tooth brings you every day if you do not treat it right away. Ultimately, knowing the myths shared above and having a trusted dentist to do the tooth extraction will go a long way to ensure that you have a set of pearly whites that you’ve always wanted.
If you’re looking for a top-rated dentist in Chattanooga that will provide you with excellent tooth removal service, contact us here at Shallowford Family Dental today. Our four highly-trained dentists are dedicated to their patients and the dental profession!