# Pulling teeth TMI **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 11, 2016, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136 "2016-06-11T19:05:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2016, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/1 "2016-06-11T19:05:31Z")
I have had a nagging tooth for quite some time, my lower left, very back molar. the past week it flared up and has been quite painful and annoying. I looked around with a dental mirror (not as easy as it seems). I didn’t see any outward signs of an access but then again i am NOT a dentist . I had a few beers and a couple of puffs then started “feeling” around…i grab the tooth and yanked it out. :eek: Damn! I bled, but much less than I thought it would. No foul smell or signs of puss. the pain INSTANTLY subsided. All is well now. tsfr ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2016, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/2 "2016-06-11T19:09:40Z")
> [@ThisSpaceForRent](#): > > I bled, but much less than I thought it would. No foul smell or **signs of puss.** the pain INSTANTLY subsided. I sure hope there was no cat in there. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/3 "2016-06-11T19:41:16Z")
Jesus, the last time I had a broken tooth extracted, it was large man with pliers and a knee in my chest sweating from the work. ---
**Author:** ![Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/77aa72/32.png) [@Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fluffy_PickleSniffer)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2016, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/4 "2016-06-11T21:20:43Z")
> [@capybara](#): > > Jesus, the last time I had a broken tooth extracted, it was large man with pliers and a knee in my chest sweating from the work. …and this is why I have been living with a broken tooth for the past 2 months. The fear of something like this, and the pain that will accompany the pulling. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2016, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/5 "2016-06-11T21:42:43Z")
Get to a dentist. You undoubtedly have something nasty going on with what used to be your #17 tooth. For a tooth to pull out that easily and without pain: 1. The pain was with the gums, not the tooth 2. The tooth was dead - the root is gone. This means the tooth had rotted from the inside, in all probability. 3. A missing tooth will cause the adjacent tooth (#18) to move into the newly-formed hole. This is never a "Good Thing[sup]tm[/sup]. If nothing else, fill the hole with bone chips (do not ask their source - it ain’t you) There may be some residual (and rotten) nerve in the jaw. It really _ **does** _ need to come out. I have 3 broken and two rotted off at the gum line. And no money. I have spent over $50K on dental work over the decades\*. - - Mamas, don’t let you kid see cheap orthodontist - he will shatter your kid’s teeth pounding on bands\*\* \*\* - yes, I do know about invisible dentures and their technology. I am allso certain that cheap ortho will find a way to do more harm than good. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/6 "2016-06-12T00:13:22Z")
Dentist here. **ThisSpaceForRent** , First off did the entire tooth come out or did you just break off the crown? If the whole tooth came out then my assumption was that it had severe periodontal issues. Periodontal problems are seldom isolated cases. Generally I’d say to see a dentist to make sure it is now okay. Also need to be sure no root tips were left behind that may cause problems later. No mater what I am fairly certain there was infection even if you didn’t taste or smell anything. Most of the time the infection will clear up by itself once the tooth is out. **usedtobe** , virtually all ortho is now with cemented brackets. Probably been over 30 years since they were banding all the teeth. Of course some dentists may have continued much longer than others. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/7 "2016-06-12T00:44:30Z")
If you had an adult permanent tooth that was so loose you could yank it out of your mouth with your fingers chances are very high you have some serious dental issues lurking even if they are not giving you immediate pain. It used to be quite common for people in their 40 and 50’s to have full sets of dentures. If you don’t get your ass to a dentist ASAP you are quite probably heading down that path. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/8 "2016-06-12T01:39:59Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > Dentist here. > > **ThisSpaceForRent** , First off did the entire tooth come out or did you just break off the crown? If the whole tooth came out then my assumption was that it had severe periodontal issues. Periodontal problems are seldom isolated cases. Generally I’d say to see a dentist to make sure it is now okay. Also need to be sure no root tips were left behind that may cause problems later. No mater what I am fairly certain there was infection even if you didn’t taste or smell anything. Most of the time the infection will clear up by itself once the tooth is out. > > **usedtobe** , virtually all ortho is now with cemented brackets. Probably been over 30 years since they were banding all the teeth. Of course some dentists may have continued much longer than others. As someone with looming dental issues, I always appreciate your input. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/9 "2016-06-12T03:18:54Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > Dentist here. > > **ThisSpaceForRent** , First off did the entire tooth come out or did you just break off the crown? If the whole tooth came out then my assumption was that it had severe periodontal issues. Periodontal problems are seldom isolated cases. Generally I’d say to see a dentist to make sure it is now okay. Also need to be sure no root tips were left behind that may cause problems later. No mater what I am fairly certain there was infection even if you didn’t taste or smell anything. Most of the time the infection will clear up by itself once the tooth is out. **rsa3acr.** …the tooth came out totally intact. the tooth just in front of it (#18?) had been extracted 15 or so years ago with no replacement. the tooth looks pretty ok with the exception that there are not for 'root fingers" they seem to be fused (four faceted) with a canal in on side that I assumed was the root canal. I rinsed several times with warm salt water and have been doing so about every 3-4 hours. again, 100% pain free… as soon as I can find a good dentist that will work with financing I will get a comprehensive exam as my left front too replacement crown is broken ; I fixedness it in place each day. anyone know a good st louis/university city dentist?? tsfr ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/10 "2016-06-12T03:28:05Z")
I’ve had two teeth removed. I think it was suggested as an option much more commonly by dentists in the past, opinions appear to have changed. I would say some of the fears are overblown IME. The first tooth remove (bottom row, right side molar) didn’t hurt at all, either at the time or afterwards. The second tooth remove (top row, left side molar) hurt a little, during the operation, but only because it took a long time as they couldn’t access it very easily. But the pain was nothing like as bad as other dental work I’ve had in the past (e.g. root canal). After 20 years I can’t tell whether the teeth either side of gap have moved at all – forget mental images of the teeth “falling in”. But then that’s just as well, as I’ve found that if I wanted a fake tooth for the gaps it 1. Would cost thousands of dollars and 2. May not be possible in my case anyway since they didn’t try to add any filler to the jaw at the time. I didn’t realize either of these things when I opted to have the teeth removed Another point, apparently, is changes to the jaw / face shape. IME I haven’t noticed any such effect. Meanwhile I have noticed significant changes to my bite following dental fillings. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/11 "2016-06-12T04:26:29Z")
You need to see a dentist ASAP. Bring the tooth with you if you still have it. I actually recommend going to the emergency room, and they can call in a dentist. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/12 "2016-06-12T08:43:54Z")
If finances are a problem (and it sounds like they might be) I’m not sure going to the ER is going to appeal to the OP. In any case - ER’s are for emergencies. Is this an emergency? Or can it wait a day or two while he/she locates a dentist he/she can work with? Seems to me he’s better off trying to find a dentist that will negotiate payment if lack of money is a big issue here. Save the money for dentistry rather than ER charges. Unless, of course, it is an actual emergency. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/13 "2016-06-12T13:56:01Z")
**ThisSpaceForRent** , seems like you are probably okay. As you said, see a dentist when you can. The groove on the outside is probably just that a groove where the roots are fused together.(fairly common in wisdom teeth) The root canal is inside the root. **nearwildheaven** , in my experience the only thing an ER will do is give you pain meds and antibiotics. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/14 "2016-06-12T22:11:03Z")
The county health department would probably have this information, and may even have a dental clinic for people with low or moderate incomes. It doesn’t hurt to ask. ---
**Author:** ![pendgwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3da27b/32.png) [@pendgwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pendgwen)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/15 "2016-06-12T23:15:47Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > I actually recommend going to the emergency room, and they can call in a dentist. For what exactly? The OP by his own report has no pain, active bleeding, visible abscess, or drainage. I assume he also has no fever or he would have mentioned it. What about this scenario says “emergency” to you? I agree the OP needs to see a dentist though. The Greater St. Louis Dental Society has a [list](http://www.greaterstlouisdentalsociety.org/for-the-public/free-low-cost-dental-care/dental-clinics) of low cost clinics. ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/16 "2016-06-13T19:58:56Z")
No ER visit…no subsequent dentist visit…all is well, no pain/fever/infection. My dental insurance kicks in in about two months…not that it covers much but it will help replace my broken left front crown. i fix"o"dent it in place each day. thanks again ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/17 "2016-06-13T22:11:03Z")
> [@capybara](#): > > Jesus, the last time I had a broken tooth extracted, it was large man with pliers and a knee in my chest sweating from the work. I’ve had two teeth pulled by two different dentists, once in the early 1980s and once about a year ago, both times with local anesthetic (no nitrous oxide). In neither case were knees or sweating involved. The first was quicker and less painful than a typical filling. The second was about as painful as a typical filling (i.e., minimally painful with good local anesthetic) but took longer because the roots were so firmly attached to the bone. If it ever was common for dentists to put their knees on the patient’s chest, it surely isn’t any more. Frankly, I have trouble picturing how it make the dentist’s job any easier. [Dental MythBuster](http://directionsindentistry.net/dentist-pulling-teeth-put-knee-on-my-chest/) posting. A [post with video](http://www.smilesbypayet.com/2013/02/dental-myth-knee-chest-pull-teeth/) by another dentist explaining why it doesn’t make much sense. A [Reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dentistry/comments/3htff2/why_are_some_patients_convinced_that_a_dentist/) about it ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/18 "2016-06-13T23:38:55Z")
**bibliophage** , thanks for the great post. I have patients tell me about the knee on the chest a couple of times a year. Around 25 years ago I stopped trying to explain the physics and the fact that the forceps don’t work in that direction. Know I just mentally roll my eyes. Of course every single person that has ever told me that has a mouthful of rotten and/or missing teeth. Works the same with folks that tell me the last dentist pulled the wrong tooth. I’m sure in those cases the first tooth masked the pain of the second and when the first was extracted the pain in the second was now evident. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/19 "2016-06-14T17:51:50Z")
rsat3acr, I think if you ever did a “Ask The Dentist” it would be remarkably interesting. If nothing else for you to tell odd stories in the workplace. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136/20 "2016-06-14T23:14:14Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > rsat3acr, I think if you ever did a “Ask The Dentist” it would be remarkably interesting. > If nothing else for you to tell odd stories in the workplace. Thank you, it is mostly a time thing. I do however take PMs. Don’t always answer promptly but try to. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-teeth-tmi/757136.md?page=2)