Getting teeth taken out of your mouth is the last thing you might want but in the case of an emergency, infection, or other complication this may be necessary. SW Calgary tooth extractions can help prevent further damage to your oral cavity. The many myths around tooth extraction can cause unnecessary anxiety. Here is what you need to know, and which fears you can put to rest.
Tooth Extraction Myths Revealed, along with the Truth of the Matter
Myth #1 – Pain
Many people choose to avoid visiting the dentist if it means getting a tooth extracted. They think the treatment is more painful than ignoring the issue. This is one of the biggest dental misconceptions. Extractions are a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a relatively short amount of time. Often it can take from several minutes to under an hour depending on your situation. It is natural to feel some pressure, but you should not feel pain during the process. Your dentist will provide you with an anesthetic before extracting a tooth, to temporarily numb the area.
After the process is completed, you should not be in pain. There might be slight discomfort and swelling but that is completely normal. If you experience extreme pain at any point, you might need emergency dental treatment.
Myth #2 – Only Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction
While wisdom tooth extraction in SW Calgary might be a common dental procedure, there are many other reasons for tooth extraction. A broken tooth due to a sports injury or a severely decayed tooth might require extraction.
Myth #3 – Space is Fine
There is a common myth floating around that once a tooth is extracted there is no need to fill the gap left behind. This could, however, lead to more complications. When there is a space in your mouth you could experience:
- Shifting teeth that move into the empty space leading to crooked teeth or a misaligned bite
- Deteriorating jawbone since your teeth support your jawbone. This can lead to a sagging facial structure and affect your chewing and speaking abilities.
Myth #4 – Recovery Time is Lengthy
Though it may take one or two weeks for full recovery, you can resume your daily activities in about four days. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on what things to avoid. Strenuous activity could cause the blood clot to dislodge. A dislodged blood clot is incredibly painful and will require emergency dental treatment for a dry socket. Here are some things to do and some things to avoid during the recovery period after tooth extraction.
Do:
- Get lots of rest
- Reduce swelling with ice packs on the treated area
- Brush your teeth carefully and if your mouth is too swollen for a toothbrush, wipe it with a wet gauze pad
- Follow the instructions provided for any antibiotics you may have been prescribed.
Don’t:
- Avoid rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after the treatment
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 48 hours after the treatment
- Do not poke at the gap
- Refrain from eating hot food and drinking hot beverages
Myth #5 – Tooth Removal Guaranteed
SW Calgary tooth extractions are bound to happen, no matter how diligent you are at brushing your teeth, right? Wrong! This treatment is only an option if necessary. Your dentist will discuss the situation and provide a viable reason for removing your tooth or teeth. A root canal or dental crown may be sufficient instead of getting your tooth taken out. Your dentist may be able to save a tooth that has been dislodged from an injury.
Hidden Benefits of Tooth Extraction
- Reason to Smile – When your teeth look better, and your mouth feels better you have more reason to show off those pearly whites.
- Less Likely to Lose Additional Teeth – Oral infections can spread so when you have an infected tooth extracted there is more chance of your other teeth staying healthy.
Finally…
Before a tooth extraction occurs, your dentist will always go over the procedure with you and ask you about your oral and physical health. This helps to ensure you are fully prepared for the treatment. Though every tooth extraction has benefits, every extraction will be treated differently depending on your situation.
Optimal oral health is achieved through necessary tooth extraction. At Glenbrook Dental, we take care of you from the beginning of your SW Calgary tooth extraction to the result, making sure you are comfortable the entire time. Remember, it is important to take care of your oral health so you can avoid tooth extraction cost in Calgary altogether.