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4 Myths About Tooth Extractions – Busted!

There are quite a few misconceptions about tooth extractions. Whether you need a wisdom tooth pulled or if you suspect that you have may a decayed or damaged tooth that requires removal, the office of Brett Blacher, DDS is here to clear up some common myths and explain the truth behind tooth extractions!

Tooth extraction patient

 

Myth #1 – Tooth Extractions Are Painful

This is probably the biggest myth about tooth extractions. Many people think that the process of having a tooth removed is extremely painful and that it takes a long time. This is not the case. Modern dentists use minimally invasive extraction methods and advanced anesthetic to ensure the comfort of patients throughout the entire process.

To remove a tooth, Dr. Blacher simply loosens the tooth with a tool called an elevator after numbing the area thoroughly. You won’t even feel the extraction! Then, specialized dental forceps are used to pull the tooth out by its socket. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes, so it’s over before you know it.

There may be a little bit of pain and discomfort after the tooth is removed, but this can be treated with prescription painkillers.

Myth #2 – Recovering From a Tooth Extraction Is a Long Process

This is also untrue! While it will take about 1-2 weeks for your tooth’s socket to heal after the tooth has been extracted, most patients only feel pain and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions that Dr. Blacher provides, you’ll be able to recover quickly and get back to your normal day-to-day life.

Myth #3 – Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Pulled

In the past, it was very common for dentists and oral surgeons to recommend the removal of all wisdom teeth as soon as they began to erupt during a patient’s late teens and early twenties. Now, most modern dentists don’t think extractions are always necessary for wisdom teeth.

In some cases, wisdom teeth may erupt properly without any ill effects, especially among patients who have extra space in their mouths.

To determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed, schedule a consultation with Dr. Blacher. During your appointment, he will perform a comprehensive oral exam that include x-rays. If it turns out that your wisdom teeth do not pose a threat to your oral health, they may not need to be pulled at all!

Myth #4 – Extracting an Infected or Damaged Tooth Is Always the Best Option

This is another common myth. Some people think that if their tooth is seriously infected or damaged, it’s a better idea to have it pulled rather than trying to save it.
This is not the case. As a rule, it’s always better to try to save a tooth. Typically, a root canal and crown is recommended for a damaged or infected tooth. While pulling a damaged tooth may be the right call in some cases, it’s usually better to try to preserve as much of the remaining tooth as possible.

If you choose to have a tooth extracted, your teeth may begin to shift in your mouth, and you’ll need an expensive dental bridge, dental implant or partial denture to repair your smile. These are all usually a more costly option when compared to a root canal.

Think You Need a Tooth Extraction? Come in for an Appointment Today!

If your wisdom teeth are coming in, or you have an infected tooth or a damaged tooth from an accident and think you may need a tooth extraction, come to Dr. Brett Blacher for an appointment right away.

Dr. Blacher will conduct an oral exam and determine whether a tooth extraction is the right choice for your particular needs. Contact us now at (630) 916-0701 to schedule your appointment, or drop by our office at 450 E. 22nd St., #201, Lombard, IL 60148.

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