4 Myths About Tooth Extraction that Might Surprise You

Tooth extractions are a famous (or infamous) dental procedure that many people are at least familiar with. Even if you haven’t personally experienced one, you’ve probably seen one on TV or filmed your friend’s post-wisdom tooth removal antics.

Because they get so much visibility, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking everything you’ve heard is 100% accurate. You might be surprised to find that these four “facts” are actually myths, but rest assured – you’ll be glad to know the difference!

Myth #1: Tooth Extractions are Painful

Yes, many people have seen actors dramatically (or comedically) reacting in pain to a tooth extraction. While these TV portrayals might have had some truth them for extractions performed decades ago, they’re not accurate by today’s dental standards. Modern anesthetics are quite effective, to the point where your mouth will be numb for hours after your appointment!

Myth #2: Tooth Extractions are Better Than Root Canals

Another dental treatment that gets a bad rep is a root canal. Some patients dread them so much that they’d rather have their infected tooth removed entirely – while others see the cheaper upfront costs of an extraction and are tempted by the thought of saving money. However, it’s better to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Rest assured, root canals are no more painful than real-life tooth extractions!

Myth #3: Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Removed

Most people do need to have their wisdom teeth removed. They often become trapped below the gumline, in which case it’s likely they’ll cause damage to nearby tissue and bone or cause a cyst to form. But some people can let their wisdom teeth grow without experiencing any ill-effects, and others don’t have any wisdom teeth at all! It’s important to check in with your dentist before jumping to conclusions.

Myth #4: It Takes Forever to Recover from Tooth Extraction

This myth probably developed from some confusion about what it means to “recover” from a tooth extraction.

Technically, the tissue, ligaments, and bone near your empty dental socket will be healing for several weeks after your appointment. Your soreness and post-treatment discomfort, however, should fade within a day or two. Many patients are able to return to their normal routines soon after their extraction (as long as they follow aftercare instructions, that is!).

Conclusion

Not everything you’ve heard about tooth extractions is true, whether it be because of deep-rooted misinformation or because dental technology has advanced at a lightning-fast pace. If you need to have a troublesome tooth removed, remember to talk with your dentist so you know what you should actually expect!

About the Author

Dr. Saeed Rouhani has over 20 years of experience in dentistry, and knows that the idea of getting a tooth extraction can be scary for many patients. Rest assured, Dr. Rouhani will treat you like family, and make sure you’re well-informed and confident about your treatment plan. If you have more questions about tooth extraction or need to make an appointment, contact his office at 972-733-0999.