Blog

What Dentists Think About ‘The Hangover’ Tooth Scene: A Painful Reminder of Why DIY Dentistry Is a Terrible Idea

No Comments

In the 2009 comedy The Hangover, viewers laugh when Stu, a strait-laced dentist played by Ed Helms, wakes up missing a tooth after a wild night in Las Vegas. Later, it’s revealed that he pulled it out himself—without anesthesia—just to prove he could. While the scene is played for laughs, any real dentist will tell you: pulling out your own tooth is no joke.

At Rapha Dental in Cinnaminson, NJ, we’ve seen a lot—but we haven’t had a patient try to DIY an extraction (thankfully!). Still, it’s a great opportunity to address some real dental risks behind these fictional laughs.

Why You Should Never Pull Your Own Tooth

1. Extreme Pain & Trauma
Unlike what Stu may lead you to believe, removing a tooth without anesthesia causes intense pain. Modern dentistry exists to prevent this exact experience.

2. Serious Risk of Infection
The mouth is full of bacteria. Performing your own extraction can introduce infection deep into the bone and surrounding tissue, possibly leading to an abscess or systemic infection.

3. Uncontrolled Bleeding
Tooth roots are surrounded by blood vessels. Without proper technique and tools, DIY extractions can cause heavy bleeding and medical emergencies.

4. Bone Damage
Improper force can crack the jawbone or damage nearby healthy teeth—leading to more pain and costly repairs.

When Is Tooth Extraction Actually Necessary?

At Rapha Dental, we only recommend extractions when there are no other viable options. Common reasons include:

  • Severe decay or infection

  • Cracked or broken teeth beyond repair

  • Overcrowding for orthodontic treatment

  • Impacted wisdom teeth

In every case, we walk patients through options, provide local anesthesia or sedation, and ensure a clean, controlled procedure with minimal discomfort.

Better Options Than DIY

We get it—dental pain can be intense and even scary. But before doing something drastic (or Hollywood-inspired), consider:

  • Calling your dentist for an emergency appointment

  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

  • Using cold compresses and rinsing with salt water

  • Avoiding hot, cold, or sugary foods that can aggravate symptoms

Real Dental Care, Not Vegas Dares

While The Hangover gave us a hilarious memory, dental trauma isn’t funny in real life. If you’re in pain, let the team at Rapha Dental help. We offer same-day emergency appointments in Cinnaminson, Delran, Moorestown, Willingboro, and surrounding areas.

Don’t gamble with your teeth—schedule a visit with us instead.