Why You Should Only Let Your Dentist Extract a Molar

If you want to remove a back molar yourself, first read why it’s strongly advised to have a molar extracted by your dentist instead of doing it yourself. This information can actually save your life and at the very least, help you avoid a major infection.

When it comes to dental care, the extraction of a molar is a procedure that demands professional expertise and precision. 

While it may seem like a straightforward task, the reality is that trusting this delicate procedure to anyone other than a dentist can expose you to severe risks, including life-threatening infections and even brain injuries.

The Complexity of Molar Extractions

Molar extractions are not as straightforward as they might seem. The procedure involves working around nerves, blood vessels, other teeth, and bone – all requiring precise skill and knowledge.

A do-it-yourself extraction can lead to nerve injury resulting in numbness, paralysis of the face, tongue, lips or even death.

Dentists are highly trained at assessing and reducing these risks and to ensure a safe and effective extraction.

The Importance of Pain and Infection Management

First, it’s important to understand the role a dentist plays in pain management and the reduction of the risk of infection with it comes to a molar extraction.

For pain management, dentists use local anesthetics to numb the area during the extraction procedure. This minimizes discomfort without the risks associated with using stronger sedatives. For managing the pain after the procedure, your dentist will recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation.

Preventing infections is also a major priority. After the procedure, and if an infection like an abscess was found, a dentist can prescribe antibiotics to safeguard against the infection getting worse which could complicate the healing process and lead to more severe health issues.

The Dangers Involved in Self-extractions

The Risk of Dangerous Infections

Attempting to extract a molar on your own can be extremely risky. Without the proper equipment and sanitized tools that dentists use, you greatly increase the chance of developing or spreading a serious infection during a self-extraction

This is because the human mouth is a complex ecosystem and is home to many types of bacteria. Even though many of these bacteria are harmless, some that are present during the extraction can cause a severe infection if the wound is not properly cared for. Professional dental care ensures that these risks are properly managed.

Also, these infections can spread to other parts of the mouth and potentially lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can also lead to the loss of bone or other tissues in the jaw, prolonged pain, and potential complications with the heart and other organs if the infection spreads further.

This is quite dangerous, but dentists keep the risk of infection quite low by using sterilized equipment and adhering to strict tooth extraction protocols.

Infection Leading to Brain Injury

When a molar extraction isn’t done properly, one of the most serious risks is the possibility of the infection spreading to the brain. This can happen because the veins around the face and teeth have direct paths that connect to the brain.

If bacteria from an extraction site travel through these veins, they can reach the brain and cause serious problems like brain abscess. Brain abscesses are a collection of pus that builds up in the brain because of an infection. Another issues that can arise is meningitis which is an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Both conditions are very serious and can lead to severe consequences if they occur and are not treated immediately.

Infections that lead to brain injuries are one of the major reasons why you should let your dentist do an extraction, instead of attempting to do it yourself.

Leaving Tooth Structure Behind

When a molar extraction is not done properly, there is a risk of tooth structure especially roots being left behind. Molar teeth usually have two roots under the crown tooth structure which is visible in the mouth. Upper first molars can have 3 roots.

Extracting molars is one of the toughest extractions that dentists can do. Often, due to the complexity of the procedure, dentists will refer to an oral surgeon who is specialized to deal with complex tooth extractions along with other more advanced jaw surgery procedures.

Leaving a root behind can lead to major complications including infection occurring around it and residual pain as the nerve is still in place.

Systemic Health Concerns

When oral health is regularly neglected and a dental extraction is not managed properly, it can lead to systemic health issues that affect the whole body.

Bacteria from a dental infection can get into the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body and lead to serious health conditions, like endocarditis, osteomyelitis (a bone infection), septic arthritis (an infection in the joints), and even complications such as sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection that can damage multiple organ systems.

Dentists use sterile techniques during extractions to keep infections from starting and they prescribe antibiotics to eliminate any infection that might have begun, which reduces the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body.

Just Trust Your Dentist and Protect Yourself

Trusting your dentist to do the extraction, and following their advice is the best way to keep your mouth healthy. Just keep in mind that regular dental check-ups and proper oral care will help you prevent these kinds of problems before they start and keep you safe from a lot of future health issues.