Improving Your Dental Care

Four Common Questions About Tooth Extractions

People usually aren't thrilled about needing a tooth extraction, but it's a valuable procedure that can protect your teeth and gums from dangerous infections and other complications. If you need a tooth extraction but don't know much about them, then here are four common questions about the procedure, answered.

1. Are Tooth Extractions Painful?

One of the biggest fears people seem to have about dental extractions is that they'll be painful. The good news is you shouldn't expect to feel any pain during the procedure. Dental extractions are performed with the same numbing Novocaine injections used for other dental procedures getting a cavity filled. The injection will ensure that you can't feel anything in that region while the procedure is being performed.

But what about after? Not to worry. Your dentist will send you home with some pain medication that, when taken according to directions, should keep you from feeling any pain while you recover.

2. Is a Tooth Extraction Surgery?

Technically, tooth extraction is indeed surgery because anything that opens the body and physically manipulates it is typically considered a type of surgery. What sets dental extractions apart is that it's a relatively minor procedure. You get to go home the same day, and they're usually performed in a dentist's office, versus a hospital or surgical center.

3. Do Tooth Extractions Require General Anesthesia?

Some people can and do receive general anesthesia for their dental extraction care. But this is usually due to personal needs like medical conditions. General anesthesia isn't used for most people when they're having teeth extracted unless they're having multiple teeth removed at once. For the most part, you can expect to be conscious during the entire procedure. Of course, if you'd rather have general anesthesia, that's something you can discuss with your dentist.

4. Are Teeth Split During Extractions?

In some instances, it's true that teeth are sometimes split in half or even quarters in order to be removed. However, this is usually only necessary with molars. Because molars are larger and have more tooth roots than other teeth, this is sometimes a necessity or makes it easier for the tooth to be extracted, which helps both the patient and the dentist.

With these questions answered, hopefully, you're feeling more comfortable at the notion of having your teeth extracted. If you have more concerns about the procedure and the recovery process, don't hesitate to contact a dentist directly.


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