Debunking 4 Myths about Tooth Extractions
Posted on 06/10/2024

Short Pump Dental offers comprehensive dental treatment to patients throughout the entire Henrico, VA area. Our highly trained dentists provide general, cosmetic, pediatric, family, and implant dentistry for all our neighbors. Unfortunately, not all teeth are created equal, and you may find yourself needing to undergo a tooth extraction.
  
Short Pump Tooth Extraction 

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaws. You may hear this referred to as getting a tooth pulled. This procedure is performed when a tooth is badly damaged or decayed. If you've never physically undergone a tooth extraction, it can be easy to fall victim to myths that are not true about this dental procedure.
 

Tooth Extractions Cause Extreme Pain

One of the biggest myths that can deter people from getting a tooth extraction when necessary is that they believe it will cause them extreme pain. This simply isn't the case with modern-day, minimally-invasive techniques coupled with anesthesia. You won't feel a thing as your tooth is removed, thanks to top-quality dentistry in Short Pump.
 

All Wisdom Teeth Must Be Extracted

Another common myth is that all wisdom teeth must be extracted. While some patients will need to have their wisdom teeth extracted due to cavities, fracture, pain or swelling, not all patients will. In fact, many patients never have any problems with their wisdom teeth.
 

Recovery Takes Months

When you get a tooth extracted, there may be some discomfort for a couple of weeks. In most cases, any swelling and discomfort will be alleviated within a few days after the extraction procedure. It will take around two weeks for the actual socket to heal, as long as you follow the aftercare instructions given by our dentist.
 

Extractions Are Always Needed For Infected and Damaged Teeth

It's important to realize that tooth extractions are considered a last resort for handling teeth that are beyond the scope of other treatment options. When a tooth becomes infected or damaged, there are typically other dental procedures that can be utilized to save your tooth. For example, if your tooth's root becomes infected, root canal surgery will remove that infected tissue and keep the outer structure of your tooth intact.

If you need professional dentistry in Short Pump, then it's time to rely on the experts at Short Pump Dental today.