4 Myths Around Having a Tooth Pulled

Why would I need a tooth extraction?

During a tooth extraction, we surgically remove a tooth that has become problematic. It may be damaged, crowding the other teeth in your mouth or coming in in an improper position. This can cause pain and discomfort, leaving extraction as your best bet.

The procedure is sometimes known as “pulling teeth”. There’s no reason to fear a tooth extraction.

What are some myths about having a tooth pulled?

Here are some myths about the procedure that we often hear from concerned patients:

1. Having a tooth pulled is painful.

One of the most pervasive misconceptions around tooth extraction is that you’ll feel pain during the procedure. However, this is no longer true as anesthesia, modern technology and best-in-practice dental techniques are used to minimize pain.

2. Tooth extraction is a go-to dental procedure.

This is also untrue. At Log Home Dental, we try to avoid extracting teeth in favour of preventive, more non-invasive treatment methods, since extraction can sometimes result in dental issues (such as misalignment) or needing more treatments such as tooth replacements in the future.

Unless the tooth is severely infected, damaged, fractured or decayed beyond repair, alternatives such as a root canal are often recommended.

However, it is occasionally necessary to extract a tooth. Practice excellent oral hygiene and wear a mouthguard during high-impact sports and physical activities to lessen your likelihood of needing a tooth extraction.

3. It will take a long time to recover.

Though you may envision needing to cancel commitments and move your schedule around for some time, this isn’t the case. In most cases, you should recover from the surgery within 3 to 4 days and be able to return to work or school.

However, if the extraction was difficult, some patients require up to a week to recover. Your mouth should be back to normal within those few days, even though full healing of the tooth socket may take two to four weeks. Stick to a diet of soft foods and refrain from smoking or engaging in strenuous physical activity to hasten your recovery. These actions can dislodge the blood clot.

Ask your dentist about other after-care instructions that help to promote healing, reduce pain and prevent the tooth socket from becoming infected.

4. Everyone needs their wisdom teeth pulled.

Though you may hear a lot about people between the ages of 17 and 25 needing their wisdom teeth extracted, there are instances where our dentists will not recommend the procedure. In some cases, your wisdom teeth may emerge without causing potential harm, pain or damage to the rest of your teeth.

To find out whether you need your wisdom teeth removed, schedule an appointment with our Caledon East dentists.

Do you think you might need to get a tooth pulled? Our Caledon East dentists can examine your teeth and potentially recommend other options depending on your case. Contact us today.