Hopefully you’re not quaking in your boots for your upcoming tooth extraction, but if you are, take heart! They’re not as bad as dramatized media and misconceptions can make them seem. Skeptical? Keep reading; debunking these four myths will help set the record straight.
#1. “Tooth Extractions are Painful”
Back when barbers were also responsible for dental work, a tooth extraction might very well have been painful. However, modern advancements have impacted anesthesia quite a bit. A dose of local anesthesia is often enough to completely numb a treatment site. After your oral surgeon gently wiggles your troublesome tooth loose and you return home, you’ll likely be sore, but these aches can often be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
#2. “You’ll Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth Eventually”
Believe it or not, there are some people who simply don’t have wisdom teeth! Clearly they don’t need a wisdom tooth extraction, but even those who do have third molars may not necessarily need this treatment. Wisdom teeth are only extracted if they pose a risk to your oral health and wellness. So if they’re not likely to damage or move existing teeth while they grow and aren’t trapped below the gumline, your oral surgeon will leave them be.
#3. “If Your Tooth is Compromised, Extraction is Always the Answer”
It is a good idea to remove teeth that could jeopardize your oral health by spreading an infection or causing overcrowding. It is not a good idea for extraction to be your go-to option! If your tooth can be saved with a root canal or other method, it’s better to treat the problem and preserve as much natural material as possible.
#4. “It’s Not Important to Replace Your Tooth”
Once your compromised tooth is extracted, you’re still not quite “out of the woods.” Over time, dental gaps can cause costly complications, such as jawbone loss, bite misalignment, or shifting teeth. Extensive jawbone loss can lead to further tooth loss, while bite misalignment and shifting teeth can result in uncomfortable orthodontic issues. Getting a tooth replacement ASAP is the best way to avoid these problems.
At the end of the day, many patients appreciate the pain relief and oral health restoration that often comes with a tooth extraction. It’s a beneficial treatment for those with compromised pearly whites that can’t be salvaged safely.
But if debunking these four myths hasn’t alleviated your nerves, consider asking your oral surgeon about sedation dentistry. They want you to be as comfortable as possible, so if you need some extra assistance in feeling calm, they’d be happy to work with you to accommodate your needs.
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we have not one, but five board-certified oral surgeons on-staff! To become a certified oral surgeon, a doctor has to complete dental school, along with years of specialty training. Our professionals are well-qualified to extract troublesome teeth. We also offer laughing gas and IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety. If you have a tooth that needs extracted or are concerned about suspicious oral symptoms, call our office at 561-203-5744.