Did you know that an estimated 20 million teeth are extracted annually in the United States? Although it’s a common procedure, many patients develop anxiety around having a troublesome tooth removed.
This could partly be because there are many rumors about this treatment that spread misinformation to the general public. If your dentist recommended an extraction, continue reading to learn about 3 common misunderstandings about this procedure to set your mind at ease.
Myth #1: It’s Going to Hurt
One of the main reasons people experience fear around dental extractions is the worry that it will inevitably be a long and agonizing process. Fortunately, that’s not true! Before beginning the procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to block the nerves in your mouth from sending pain signals to your brain. If you’re overly worried, have a sensitive gag reflex, or struggle to sit still for longer periods, they might also offer sedation, like nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to keep you comfortable.
While it’s normal to feel some residual aches and inflammation after the medications wear off, this discomfort typically peaks about 2 to 3 days following your appointment then begins to fade.
Myth #2: Recovery Takes Forever
You might hesitate to schedule your tooth extraction if you’re scared that you’ll have to miss a lot of work or school to recover. Although you might need a few days off if you undergo a surgical removal, most patients can resume normal activities after 48 to 72 hours.
The amount of time it takes your mouth to heal depends significantly on how well you follow your dentist’s post-op instructions. Their directions are intended to allow your gums to form a blood clot over the recently exposed nerves and bone tissue to prevent a potentially painful condition known as dry socket.
Myth #3: Everyone Has Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to arrive and appear years after your other permanent teeth have already erupted. They often cause issues like overcrowding, infection, impaction, or dental problems because they’re harder to clean if they don’t fully clear your gumline. As a result, most dentists recommend removing them before they become problematic.
In fact, this procedure is so common that many consider it a rite of passage for teens entering adulthood. However, not everyone must have their wisdom teeth taken out. Some people are lucky enough that they never cause problems, so there’s no point in risking infection from an additional procedure. Other individuals don’t have all their wisdom teeth, so in some cases, there’s nothing to remove.
Now that you know more about the reality of getting a tooth extracted, you can see that there is nothing to fear!
About the Practice
At Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights, you and your family benefit from two dentists with 20+ years of combined experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Young and Dr. Samona provide a comprehensive menu of elite dental services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including tooth extractions. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate treatment results tailored to your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (586) 315-4176.