When dealing with advanced gum disease, your symptoms no longer just include bleeding, swollen, and tender tissues. They now include gum pockets, making it easier for bacteria and food particles to become trapped. As a result, you might assume that the only way to address this problem is to ask your dentist about an extraction. Although it might seem like a good idea, it doesn’t necessarily get rid of the problem, which is bad bacteria attacking your oral and overall health. Keep reading to learn how your dentist will handle this situation and when tooth removal may be necessary.
Why Won’t Tooth Extraction Treat Gum Disease?
Just because your dentist removes one or more teeth doesn’t mean gum disease is no longer an issue. First, the bad bacteria that accumulate target your soft oral tissues, not your teeth directly. An infection can persist and continue to spread whether or not teeth are present.
Without treating diseased tissues, the condition can affect the underlying bone, causing your teeth to loosen. It can also reach your bloodstream and negatively affect your heart, brain, lungs, and other organs throughout the body.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth extraction is only necessary when the infection reaches the underlying bone, causing it to weaken. This will eventually lead to loose teeth, which your dentist will need to evaluate to determine the severity. If they cannot be saved, tooth removal will be necessary.
But removing it isn’t enough. Treating the infected tissue is essential before you can begin to discuss your options for tooth replacement. Your dentist will need to determine how to improve your gum health (e.g., a gum or bone graft or laser treatment). Once proper treatment is provided, and your soft tissues begin to heal, you can then consider how you will fill the gap. This may include a dental implant, a custom partial denture, or a dental bridge.
It’s not a good idea to rely on tooth extraction to improve your gum health; in fact, it’s better if you prevent an infection before it ever forms. With good at-home oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist’s office, and making healthy food choices, you can improve your chances of maintaining a disease-free smile that remains fully intact in the years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu has more than 20 years of experience and happily helps patients enjoy better long-term oral health. After completing a six-year dentistry program at the Ovidius University School of Dentistry, she moved to the U.S. and earned her second dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University School of Dentistry. At Delray Beach Smile Design, she and our team offer gum disease treatment and tooth extractions for patients whose smiles need complex care. If you are showing signs of advanced periodontal disease and are unsure if you need to have one or more teeth removed, contact us at (561) 404–4804 to schedule an appointment.