If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you may be wondering what your options are to treat it. In some advanced cases, your dentist may recommend you have a tooth, or teeth extracted if they cannot be otherwise saved. This can help protect your remaining healthy teeth by clearing a space for a restoration such as a dental implant. But removing them won’t make gum disease go away. Here’s why when it comes to periodontal illness, it’s important to take a whole-mouth approach to treatment.
What is Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums that occurs when periodontal bacteria infiltrate them and cause swelling and inflammation. If not treated, this can eventually lead to gum recession, exposed tooth roots, and even tooth, bone, and tissue loss.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
If your dentist has recommended tooth extraction as part of your treatment plan for gum disease, it is likely because it will fall out on its own eventually. By removing it early, your dentist can better treat your periodontal disease and prepare your jaw for a restoration such as a dental implant.
What Other Ways Can I Treat Gum Disease?
In addition to tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend other treatments such as:
- A bone graft procedure to repair deterioration of the jaw.
- A gum graft procedure to cover exposed tooth roots and protect them from sensitivity and decay.
- A pocket reduction procedure that can help reattach your gums to the base of your teeth to keep bacteria away from the tooth’s roots and stop it from entering the gums.
Restoring Your Smile After Gum Disease
Once your dentist can successfully treat your gums, you can consider options like dental implants to replace lost teeth. Dental implants have a very high success rate (about 95 percent), however, to give them the best odds of survival, your gums should be in good health to prevent further bone deterioration.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Believe it or not, gum disease is completely preventable. Though some patients may have a genetic disposition to it, there is still plenty you can do to lower your risk. These include:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
- Visiting the dentist for your regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings.
- Not smoking.
- Never sharing cups, straws, utensils, or toothbrushes.
- Replacing lost teeth with dental implants or other restorations as soon as possible.
Remember, while removing damaged teeth can’t magically make your gum disease go away, it can often be an important step in the treatment process. Thus, if your dentist recommends extraction, be sure to understand the benefits of this useful procedure.
About Our Practice
If you need a tooth extracted as part of your treatment for gum disease, our team of five, board-certified and skilled oral surgeons can help. Local dentists have been trusting South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to help their patients for years to provide excellent care in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
To schedule a tooth extraction for any reason, please visit our website or call us today at 561-203-5744.