Tooth Extraction Myths vs. Facts: A Complete, Evidence-Based Guide

• Wisdom teeth: Not always extracted; the decision depends on X-rays and clinical findings.
• Antibiotics: Not routinely given after simple extractions; reserved for higher-risk situations.
• Anesthesia: With modern local anesthesia, pain during extraction is uncommon; pressure and movement are normal sensations.
• First 24 hours: Protecting the blood clot is the foundation of preventing dry socket (alveolitis).
• Nutrition: Skipping meals is counterproductive; soft, lukewarm foods are the better choice.
• Warning signs: Increasing pain, uncontrolled bleeding, fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or a foul taste or odor warrant prompt dental attention.

Myth 1: "A Healthy Wisdom Tooth Should Always Be Removed"

Evidence:

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Many people assume "wisdom tooth" automatically means "extraction," but in reality this decision requires a multi-factor evaluation by your dentist.

Extraction typically becomes necessary in situations such as:

• Lack of space: Insufficient jawbone space, or the tooth is fully or partially impacted
• Infection or disease: Recurring gum infection around the tooth (pericoronitis), an infected cyst, or active decay
• Risk to neighboring teeth: The wisdom tooth is pressing on or damaging the root of the adjacent tooth
• Orthodontic planning: Limited jaw width that requires extra space for alignment
• Prosthetic planning: An extensive denture or bridge design that the wisdom tooth doesn't fit

That said, current evidence shows that many people with well-positioned, healthy, well-maintained wisdom teeth keep them successfully for life. The timing of extraction, how impaction may progress over time, and the potential for infection can generally be assessed through X-rays and a clinical exam.

Conclusion: Removing a healthy wisdom tooth is not automatically "mandatory" — the decision depends on your individual situation, your dentist's evaluation, and a preventive rather than reflexively aggressive approach.

Myth 2: "Antibiotics Are Mandatory After Tooth Extraction"

Evidence:

Antibiotics aren't prescribed reflexively for every extraction. Given growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, they're reserved for cases where there's a clear clinical indication.

When antibiotics may be indicated:

• Immunocompromised patients: For example, those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV, or who have had an organ transplant
• Active infection: A significant bacterial infection at the extraction site or elsewhere in the mouth
• Higher-risk surgical extractions: Complicated, prolonged procedures, or those requiring bone removal
• Certain systemic conditions: For example, heart valve disease that calls for antibiotic prophylaxis against endocarditis

In an otherwise healthy person having a straightforward extraction — even a surgical wisdom tooth removal — routine antibiotics are often unnecessary. Overusing antibiotics contributes to bacterial resistance and carries public health costs.

Decision criteria: Whether antibiotics are prescribed depends on your dentist's observations during the procedure (adequate hemostasis, no signs of infection, normal early healing) along with your medical history.

Conclusion: Automatic antibiotics aren't the right default; the decision should be based on individual clinical indications.

Myth 3: "Tooth Extraction Is Extremely Painful"

Evidence:

Thanks to modern local anesthesia, pain during the procedure itself is uncommon. Most patients feel pressure, movement, and vibration — not pain.

Pain vs. sensation: These two shouldn't be confused. During the extraction:

• Pain → rare (and if anesthesia isn't fully effective, your dentist can give more)
• A sense of movement or pressure → expected and normal, not pain
• Cracking or grinding sounds during the procedure → most patients tolerate this without difficulty

After the extraction: Mild to moderate pain and swelling are a normal initial response. This is generally manageable with dentist-recommended pain relievers and ice, and it typically eases substantially within 3–5 days.

Conclusion: With proper anesthesia, extraction may not be entirely painless, but it is not the ordeal many people expect.

Myth 4: "The Extraction Socket Will Completely Fill In on Its Own"

Evidence:

This is one of the most common false expectations. Yes, the socket fills in with new tissue as it heals — but meaningful bone volume loss often occurs at the same time.

Healing timeline:

• Weeks 1–2: Clot formation and the initial inflammatory phase
• Weeks 2–8: Early (woven) bone formation begins, though a visible dip often remains at the surface
• Months 3–6: More mature bone forms, though some volume loss is usually still evident
• Year 1: Bone healing largely stabilizes, but in most cases the ridge doesn't fully fill back to its original volume

Why it matters: If the gap is left unaddressed for too long, neighboring teeth can tilt and create alignment problems. For esthetic reasons (front teeth) or functional reasons (bite forces), a permanent restoration — an implant or bridge — should be planned ahead of time.

Bone volume and restorative options:

• Areas with insufficient bone for an implant → a bone graft or sinus lift may be needed
• Larger gaps → temporary or permanent prosthetic support may be required

Conclusion: Counting on the socket to "fill itself in" isn't a reliable plan; your dentist should help you think ahead about restoration.

Myth 5: "No Tooth Can Be Extracted During Pregnancy"

Evidence:

Extraction during pregnancy isn't forbidden — the decision depends on urgency, timing, and coordination with your medical team.

General approach:

• Elective extractions: Usually postponed until after delivery — not because of proven danger, but as a conservative precaution
• Emergencies: A painful infection (apical abscess), pericoronitis around an impacted tooth, oral trauma, and similar situations can be managed at any stage of pregnancy, though the second trimester is generally preferred when timing allows
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (for example, lidocaine with epinephrine) is considered safe in controlled amounts during pregnancy
• Coordination: Collaboration between your dentist and obstetrician is recommended

Untreated dental infection during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, which is one reason infectious emergencies shouldn't be left untreated.

Conclusion: Extraction is possible during pregnancy; there's no absolute prohibition.

Myth 6: "You Should Rinse Vigorously After an Extraction"

Evidence:

This is perhaps one of the most harmful post-operative habits.

Why vigorous rinsing is a problem:

Aggressive rinsing within the first 24 hours can:

• Dislodge the fibrin clot (the protective plug) that forms at the extraction site
• Disrupt a clot that's essential for early healing and for protecting the site from infection and air exposure
• Lead to early clot loss, which can result in alveolitis (dry socket), a painful complication

Correct protocol:

• 0–24 hours — Guidance: No rinsing at all; let early healing begin undisturbed
• After 24 hours — Guidance: Once your dentist confirms it's okay, use a very gentle warm salt-water rinse (1 teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water); let it bathe the area — don't swish forcefully or irrigate
• 3–7 days — Guidance: Brush other teeth normally with a soft brush; leave the extraction site untouched

Conclusion: Avoid rinsing entirely for the first 24 hours; after that, follow your dentist's specific instructions.

Myth 7: "Extracting an Upper Tooth Affects Your Vision"

Evidence:

This is a piece of folklore with no anatomical basis whatsoever.

The upper teeth and the visual system (retina, optic nerve, lens) have no direct or indirect physiological connection. This belief likely comes from outdated folk medicine or cultural hearsay rather than anatomy.

Extracting an upper tooth:

• Does not affect visual acuity
• Does not change eye pressure
• Does not reduce eye movement or the eye's ability to focus

Conclusion: A purely mythological belief with no scientific basis.

Myth 8: "After an Extraction, Don't Speak or Eat for a Week"

Evidence:

This old-fashioned advice reflects an overly cautious approach that current practice doesn't support. A more balanced strategy works better.

Staying completely silent:

• Isn't necessary
• Creates needless social and psychological strain
• Doesn't help healing — normal, light conversation is fine

Skipping food entirely:

• Deprives your body of the calories and protein it needs to heal
• Combined with anesthesia and medication, can upset your stomach
• Lowers morale and can slow recovery

A more reasonable approach:

• 0–24 hours — Recommendation: Soft, lukewarm foods (yogurt, soup, purées, pudding); avoid very hot foods
• 24–72 hours — Recommendation: Gradually add soft cheese, fish, omelet, soft pasta; chew on the side opposite the extraction
• After 1 week — Recommendation: Gradually return to a normal diet as tolerance improves; hold off on hard and sticky foods until week 2

Speaking: Normal, comfortable conversation is fine; just avoid shouting or straining your voice on day 1.

Conclusion: Overly strict restrictions aren't warranted — aim for balance, and be skeptical of old-fashioned advice that isn't evidence-based.

Myth 9: "Severe Pain After Extraction Is Completely Normal and Unavoidable"

Evidence:

Mild to moderate pain is normal. Severe or worsening pain is not normal and can signal a complication.

Pain spectrum:

• Mild (1–3/10) — Status: Manageable with medication; eases within 3–5 days — Action: Take recommended pain relief and rest
• Moderate (4–6/10) — Status: Responds to pain medication; eases within 5–7 days — Action: Take pain relief as directed; keep your dentist informed
• Severe (7–10/10) — Status: Persistent or unrelieved by medication — Action: Contact your dentist right away
• Worsening — Status: Getting worse 2–5 days after extraction — Action: Contact your dentist right away

Possible causes of severe pain:

• Dry socket (alveolitis): Typically 2–5 days post-extraction, a throbbing pain from exposed bone
• Infection: Often accompanied by fever and a foul taste or odor
• Nerve irritation or injury: Numbness together with pain; uncommon but possible
• Inadequate clot protection or displacement: Less common

Conclusion: Severe pain can signal a complication — don't wait it out; see your dentist.

Myth 10: "Surgical Extraction of an Impacted Tooth Is Extremely Dangerous"

Evidence:

Impacted tooth extraction is more involved than a simple extraction, but calling it "extremely dangerous" overstates the risk.

Complication risk during surgery:

When performed by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon, the risk of serious complications is generally considered low:

• Nerve-related numbness (temporary): Reported rates vary across studies, but in the large majority of cases the numbness resolves on its own within weeks to months; permanent nerve injury is uncommon.
• Involvement of the maxillary sinus: Particularly with upper back molars whose roots sit close to the sinus floor, though this is uncommon and preoperative X-rays help assess the risk beforehand.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: Rare with modern hemostasis techniques and appropriate patient selection.

Typical outcomes: Uncomplicated healing after a standard surgical extraction by an experienced provider is the norm; serious complications are the exception. Rather than quoting a specific percentage, it's more accurate to say the risk is low but not zero — which is exactly why informed consent and a detailed preoperative X-ray evaluation matter.

Factors affecting difficulty:

• Tooth depth and degree of bone impaction
• Root anatomy (curved, multiple, or dense roots)
• Proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve (raises risk)
• Bone density
• The surgeon's experience

Preoperative imaging: A CBCT (cone-beam CT) scan before surgery helps visualize the anatomy and flag risks in advance.

Conclusion: Impacted tooth extraction is a planned surgical procedure — not inherently dangerous, but one that calls for careful planning.

Myth 11: "You Can Get a Denture or Implant Immediately After Extraction"

Evidence:

Closing the gap sooner rather than later is often desirable, but bone healing usually needs to happen first.

Bone healing timeline:

• First 2 weeks: Clot formation and fibrovascular tissue
• Weeks 2–8: Woven bone forms (immature and relatively weak)
• Months 3–6: Lamellar bone forms (mature and load-bearing)
• Months 6–12: Bone stabilizes

Implant integration (osseointegration) depends on mature bone. Placing an implant too early can lead to poor integration or mobility.

The exception — "immediate implants":

• In certain carefully selected cases (good bone quality, no infection, minimal impaction), an implant can be placed at the same time as the extraction
• This approach carries added risk; success depends heavily on the clinician's experience and patient-specific factors
• It isn't suitable for every patient

Temporary denture option:

• A temporary denture can provide esthetic and functional support during the healing period after extraction
• The permanent restoration is planned once bone healing is complete

Conclusion: "Immediate" dentures or implants don't work for everyone — the waiting period matters, and your dentist will advise whether you're a candidate.

Myth 12: "All Teeth Are Equally Difficult to Extract"

Evidence:

Extraction difficulty depends on several factors related to the patient, the tooth, and its surrounding anatomy.

Factors that determine difficulty:

• Root anatomy — Impact: Straight roots are easier; curved or multiple roots are more challenging
• Bone density — Impact: Denser bone (often in older patients) can prolong the extraction; softer, spongier bone (often in younger patients) tends to go faster
• Tooth position — Impact: Front teeth are easily accessible; lower molars are anatomically more challenging
• Tooth integrity — Impact: A healthy tooth can usually be extracted intact; a decayed or brittle tooth carries a higher risk of fracturing
• Gum coverage — Impact: A fully erupted tooth is easier; a partially impacted tooth is more challenging
• Inflammation status — Impact: Infected or inflamed tissue is friable and harder to work with; healthy tissue is firmer and more predictable

Predicting difficulty: Preoperative X-rays plus a clinical exam let your dentist anticipate difficulty and explain what to expect.

Referral for complex cases: If a case looks especially challenging, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon.

Conclusion: Difficult extractions call for different techniques and expertise — they can't be treated as one-size-fits-all.

Tooth extractions are generally classified by how complex the procedure is and how much surgical intervention is required.

Simple (Non-Surgical) Extraction

Characteristics:

• The tooth is visible in the mouth and can be grasped directly
• The tooth is not impacted below the gumline
• Local anesthesia is sufficient
• Performed using an elevator and forceps applied directly to the tooth
• No incision is needed; gum tissue is only gently loosened around the tooth

Healing timeline:

• Days 1–5: Swelling, pain, and light bleeding are at their peak
• Week 2: Sutures (if placed) are removed; healing accelerates
• Weeks 3–4: Gum tissue returns to a relatively normal appearance
• Months 3–6: Bone healing and remodeling continue

Typically:

• Patients return to normal activities within a few days, with no special restrictions

Surgical Extraction

Characteristics:

• The tooth is fully or partially impacted
• Requires a gum incision (flap)
• Usually requires some bone removal (osteotomy)
• Sutures are placed to support wound closure
• Takes longer than a simple extraction

Common scenarios requiring surgical extraction:

• Wisdom tooth removal, when the tooth is impacted
• Certain orthodontic cases involving an impacted front tooth
• A significantly infected, impacted tooth

Healing timeline:

• Week 1: Swelling, pain, and possibly reduced appetite; jaw opening may be limited (trismus)
• Week 2: Sutures removed; visible healing begins
• Weeks 3–4: Gum closure progresses
• Months 2–3: Most symptoms resolve
• Months 3–6: Full bone remodeling and healing

Typically:

• Patients need 1–2 additional weeks of extra care and some activity restrictions
• Most return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks

Definition: Loss of the fibrin clot at the extraction site — or its failure to form properly — leaving the underlying bone exposed and causing pain from irritation.

Symptoms

• Character of pain: A deep, throbbing ache, often described as pulsating and radiating from the bone
• Timing: Usually appears 2–5 days after extraction (most often around day 3)
• Location: Concentrated at the extraction site; may radiate to neighboring teeth
• Visual sign: Exposed bone that appears black or gray, often accompanied by a foul odor (a sign of infection)

Response to medication: Dry socket pain often doesn't respond as well as expected to standard pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen). The mainstay of treatment isn't medication but a local dressing placed by your dentist (described below), which typically brings rapid relief. Any decisions about pain medication and dosing are always your dentist's call.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco use — Impact: Very high — reduces blood flow, so clot formation is poor
• Oral contraceptive use — Impact: Moderate — hormonal changes may affect clotting
• Difficult or surgical extractions — Impact: High — more tissue trauma and healing burden
• Poor oral hygiene — Impact: High — greater bacterial load and risk of clot infection
• Early rinsing or suction — Impact: Very high — can mechanically dislodge the clot
• Age over 40 — Impact: Low to moderate — somewhat slower physiologic healing
• Stress and sleep deprivation — Impact: Low — stress may suppress immune response

Treatment

Performed by your dentist:

• Socket cleaning: Gentle removal of any debris and dead tissue from the socket
• Pain control: A local anesthetic injection (such as lidocaine or prilocaine) if needed
• Medicated dressing: Placement of a eugenol-based or medicated dressing to protect the area and relieve pain
• Guidance: Clear instructions on rinsing, avoiding suction, avoiding tobacco, and diet

Home care:

• Take pain relievers as recommended by your dentist, on schedule
• Begin salt-water rinses once your dentist advises it's okay
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol completely
• Stick to a soft diet
• Rest and get adequate sleep

Recovery timeline: With proper treatment, symptoms typically improve within 7–10 days, with full healing over the following 2–3 weeks.

How well an extraction heals depends on preoperative preparation, the technique used, and how closely you follow aftercare instructions. The recommendations below are general guidance — your own dentist's instructions always take priority.

First 24 Hours: The Critical Period

Protecting the Clot

• Don't touch it: Avoid probing the extraction site with your tongue, fingers, a straw, or a toothbrush
• While eating: Chew on the side opposite the extraction
• Rest position: Keep your head elevated, which helps control swelling

Cold Therapy and Swelling Control

• Ice application: During the first 6 hours after extraction, apply ice for 15 minutes, then rest for 15 minutes, repeating the cycle
• What to use: An ice pack, gel cold pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin cloth
• After 24 hours: Cut back on cold applications; swelling typically peaks around 24–48 hours

Bleeding Control

• Light oozing is normal: Some mild oozing in the first 24 hours is expected
• How to control it: Place clean, slightly dampened gauze over the extraction site and apply steady pressure for 30–45 minutes
• If needed: Extend the pressure for another 30 minutes
• Beverages: Avoid very hot drinks (they can increase blood flow to the area); warm and cool drinks are fine

Nutrition (First 24 Hours)

• Foods: Ice cream, yogurt, purées, soft or ground meat, lukewarm broth-based soup, pudding
• Temperature: Room temperature or lukewarm — never very hot
• Consistency: Don't skip meals; soft, adequately caloric foods support healing

Oral Hygiene

• No rinsing for the first 24 hours
• Brushing: Brush other teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site, with a soft brush
• Rinsing: May begin after 24 hours, once your dentist gives the go-ahead

Medication

• Pain relief: As recommended by your dentist (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or a combination), typically taken on a regular schedule for about 3 days
• Antibiotics: If prescribed, complete the full course (usually 5–7 days)
• Toothpaste: Avoid sensitivity toothpaste at the extraction site; regular toothpaste is fine elsewhere, just avoid the area itself

Activity

• Day 1: Rest; avoid strenuous exercise or sports
• Why: Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of bleeding and swelling at the site

24–72 Hours: The Second Phase

Transitioning from Cold to Warm

• After 24 hours, cut back on cold applications
• Older advice suggests switching to heat by day 3, but many patients find lukewarm compresses more comfortable and just as effective
• Lukewarm compress: Helps with swelling control; 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily

Nutrition Progression

• By day 2, you can add soft cheese, fish, omelet, and soft pasta
• Continue chewing on the side opposite the extraction
• Avoid hard, sticky, or crumbly foods: Chips, tough or chewy meats, hard candy, chewing gum

Rinsing Can Begin

• After 24 hours, gentle warm salt-water rinsing may start
• Recipe: 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water
• Technique: Think of it as "bathing" the area, not scrubbing — gentle, slow, and never forceful
• Frequency: After meals and a few other times during the day, roughly 4–5 times total

Tracking Pain and Swelling

• Pain typically starts easing by day 3 and drops significantly within 5–7 days
• Swelling often peaks at 48–72 hours — this is normal
• Swelling is usually felt along the jaw and facial contour on the extraction side

1–2 Weeks: The Healing Phase

Oral Hygiene

• Clean other teeth with a soft brush, avoiding the extraction site
• Salt-water rinsing can continue, often more frequently in week 2
• Small bone fragments (sequestra) may occasionally surface; don't try to remove them yourself — let your dentist know

Activity

• Light activity can typically resume by the end of week 1
• Sports and more strenuous exercise may resume in week 2, with your dentist's okay
• Ask your dentist about swimming and sauna use — some recommend waiting 1–2 weeks because of infection risk

Nutrition

• Gradual return to a normal diet
• Start introducing firmer foods in weeks 2–3
• Sticky foods (like chewing gum) and small, particulate foods (like grains or seeds) are often best delayed until around week 3

Suture Removal (if applicable)

• Simple extractions: sutures, if placed, often dissolve on their own
• Surgical extractions: sutures are typically removed 7–10 days later, which requires a follow-up visit

2–6 Weeks: Late Healing

Gum Closure

• The extraction site is largely closed over
• Pain and swelling are minimal
• Oral hygiene routines return to normal

Physical Activity

• Exercise, sports, and heavy lifting are generally unrestricted, unless your dentist advises otherwise

Nutrition

• All foods are generally tolerated by this point
• Hard and sticky foods are fully back on the menu

Denture/Restoration Planning

• If the gap needs to be closed (implant or bridge), your dentist may begin consultation and planning
• Prosthetic design usually waits until bone healing (months 3–6) since the bone continues to remodel

3–6 Months: Long-Term Healing

• Gum color and texture return to normal
• Bone healing and remodeling continue, not always visible but trackable on X-rays
• Planning for a permanent denture or implant is finalized

Some findings after an extraction are perfectly normal; others call for prompt evaluation.

Expected (Normal) Findings

• Mild swelling — Timeline: Peaks within 24–48 hours — Management: Cold application; anti-inflammatory medication as directed by your dentist
• Mild-to-moderate pain — Timeline: Eases over 3–5 days — Management: Pain relief (acetaminophen, ibuprofen); controlled with medication
• Light bleeding or oozing — Timeline: First 24 hours — Management: Gauze pressure for 30–45 minutes; subsides quickly
• Bruising (ecchymosis) — Timeline: Increases over 2–3 days, then fades — Management: Time and gentle warmth help; no treatment usually needed
• Limited jaw opening (trismus) — Timeline: After surgical extraction, 2–3 days — Management: Gentle jaw exercises; cold followed by heat
• Mild numbness or tingling nearby — Timeline: 24–48 hours — Management: Residual anesthetic effect; resolves on its own
• Mild metallic taste — Timeline: 24–72 hours — Management: Related to blood and saliva; resolves on its own

Seek Prompt Dental Care If You Notice

• Uncontrolled bleeding (after 30+ minutes of pressure) — Possible Cause: Vascular injury, clotting issue, high blood pressure — Urgency: Contact your dentist now
• Severe pain (unrelieved by medication or worsening) — Possible Cause: Dry socket, infection, nerve irritation — Urgency: Contact your dentist now
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher — Possible Cause: Infection — Urgency: Contact your dentist now
• Increasing swelling (worse after day 3) — Possible Cause: Infection, fluid collection — Urgency: Contact your dentist the same day
• Pronounced foul taste or odor (beyond typical blood/saliva) — Possible Cause: Infection, anaerobic bacteria — Urgency: Contact your dentist within 24 hours
• Persistent numbness in jaw, lip, or tongue (24+ hours) — Possible Cause: Nerve irritation or injury — Urgency: Contact your dentist within 48 hours
• Rapid swelling in the mouth or throat — Possible Cause: Edema, risk of airway narrowing — Urgency: Emergency — seek care immediately
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — Possible Cause: Tongue swelling, airway obstruction — Urgency: Emergency room

Tobacco

Smoking is arguably the single biggest obstacle to post-extraction healing. Here's why:

• Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extraction site
• Clot formation tends to be weaker in smokers, and the incidence of dry socket is markedly higher in smokers than non-smokers — a finding reported consistently across studies
• It reduces tissue oxygenation and raises infection risk
• It slows bone healing

Recommendation: Avoiding tobacco for at least 5–7 days (ideally two weeks) can meaningfully improve healing outcomes. If quitting entirely isn't realistic right now, at minimum avoid drawing on a cigarette (which creates suction at the wound) and try to delay smoking and cut back on frequency as much as possible.

Alcohol

• Has a mild anticoagulant effect that may increase bleeding risk
• Can interact poorly with pain medication (for example, upsetting the stomach when combined with ibuprofen)
• Contributes to dehydration, which can slow healing

Recommendation: Avoid alcohol entirely for the first 3 days; ideally for a full week.

If you have questions about an extraction decision or your recovery, check in with your dentist in these situations:

• Before extraction:
• You're unsure whether a healthy wisdom tooth needs to come out
• You've had complications with a previous extraction
• You have a planned surgery or other medical risk factors
• You have an antibiotic allergy
• After extraction:
• Any of the findings listed above under "seek prompt dental care"
• Expected symptoms are still severe after 10 days
• You have questions about nutrition or oral hygiene
• You need to plan for a denture or other restoration

This guide is educational and is not a substitute for an in-person clinical examination. Whether a treatment is right for you — and which approach makes sense — can only be confirmed by a qualified dentist who reviews your specific case, imaging and health history. If you are weighing your options, the most useful next step is a personalised assessment.

NexWell matches you to vetted partner clinics and can arrange a no-pressure free assessment of your situation.