I have been trying to figure out how to pull a bottom molar. It doesn’t hurt all the time, but when it hurts, it also gives me a horrible headache, and I get nauseous. I guess I should stop trying to pull the tooth. My jaw is getting sore. I hate going to the dentist, though. If I leave the alone for a while, will it settle down? Thanks. Jason
Jason – Thank you for contacting Pumphrey Periodontics.
You should stop trying to remove your tooth.
Why Can’t You Remove Your Tooth?
Tooth removal at home can be unsuccessful due to these reasons:
- Deep tooth roots
- Tooth location
- Your lack of professional skills and tools and sanitary conditions
Adult tooth removal at home can damage neighboring teeth or the supporting bone. Your attempts can damage your gums and require repair or cause gum infection.
Think about the consequences of removing your tooth at home that may require you to see a dentist anyway, including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete tooth removal
Dental implant
A dentist will first relieve your pain and examine and x-ray the tooth to determine why you have a toothache. It may be that the tooth is infected, in which case a root canal treatment will resolve the issue, and the tooth can be saved.
If the tooth is damaged beyond restoration, it may require removal. If a dentist can save the tooth, they will recommend treatment options, such as a dental bridge or a dental implant. The dentist’s skill and the complexity of the extraction can affect which options the dentist offers you.
Don’t continue to try to extract your tooth. You can damage gum tissue and adjacent teeth. Schedule an urgent appointment with a dentist for an exam and treatment.
Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.
