If you have periodontal (gum) disease, then you likely already know the many complications that come with it. The soft tissues in your mouth may be inflamed and tender. Dealing with it can be frustrating, and you may wonder if getting a tooth extracted will stop the problem. However, this isn’t necessarily the case; keep reading to learn about how this procedure works with this oral health issue.
Will Getting an Extraction Stop My Gum Disease?
Many people assume that without a tooth, the bacteria in your mouth won’t be able to cause periodontal disease. However, this isn’t the case at all. This condition is an infection in your gums, not your teeth themselves.
While you may think about removing one or a couple of your natural dental structures, the bacteria in your mouth will continue to attack the soft tissues. Not only that, but as it progresses untreated, it can spread across your smile and worsen. Your jawbone may become weakened, causing tooth loss in the end.
Are Extractions Sometimes Necessary for Gum Disease?
That being said, there are some instances where an extraction can be beneficial for your oral health. As mentioned above, you may experience tooth loss when it’s left to its own devices. Before this, you may notice that these structures feel loose. That’s because your gums and jawbone have receded or weakened, not giving the proper support anymore.
If this happens and your dentist isn’t able to save the affected tooth, then removing it can be best. It’ll help put a stop to any discomfort it caused while you were eating and reduce the risk of an infection occurring in your teeth as well.
How Will My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can oftentimes be treated and reverse any damage. If it continues to progress into its more advanced stages, then your dentist will then swap their treatment plan to maintain your oral health and prevent any more harm. Here are a few ways they do this:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a two-step process where your provider first clears away all harmful plaque and tartar on the surfaces of your teeth. Afterward, they’ll then go down a little and smooth out the roots. This will give your gums a chance to reattach and avoid worsening symptoms.
- Periodontal Maintenance: If you have gum disease, then semi-annual visits may not be often enough to monitor for any changes to your smile. Instead, you should book cleanings every three to four months. They will focus on making sure no bacteria can cause trouble, so more frequent visits can help catch anything of worry even earlier.
Although you might’ve thought getting a tooth extracted would solve your periodontal disease, it may not get rid of the problem. Instead, talk to your dentist and come up with a treatment plan that you feel more confident in choosing.
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental Hillsboro, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We understand how gum disease can be a hassle to deal with, so we are happy to get you the treatment you need. Using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, you enjoy a more comfortable service.
If a tooth extraction ends up as the best course of action for you, then our goal is to make it as easy as possible with sedation and special instruments. If you are worried about periodontal disease, schedule an appointment or call our office at (503) 844-6550.