Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a dangerous oral health condition. If begins as a mild infection, but if it progresses far enough, it can cause long-lasting damage to the oral tissues. In fact, it may even get to the point where your dentist urges you to have your teeth removed. But you may wonder, do tooth extractions actually cure gum disease, or is there another reason why they are often included in a periodontal treatment plan? Read this blog post to find out.
Do Tooth Extractions Make Gum Disease Go Away?
It is important to keep in mind that gum disease attacks the tissue around the teeth. It does not attack the teeth themselves. Therefore, tooth extractions are not a direct way to address gum disease.
To treat a gum infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, perform a deep cleaning of your mouth, and coach you on your at-home oral care routine. In some cases, they might even recommend that you undergo surgery to remove diseased tissue. Each individual’s treatment plan is customized to account for the unique details of their case.
Why Are Extractions Part of Gum Disease Treatment?
Tooth extractions on their own will not make gum disease go away. Why, then, are they often included as part of a periodontal treatment plan? There are a couple of valid reasons:
- Gum disease adversely affects dental function. As gum disease worsens, it causes the gums to recede from the teeth. It also contributes to bone loss in the jaw. Eventually, the problem can become so severe that the teeth do not have a strong base of support to keep them in the mouth. They may feel very loose and cause complications with speaking and eating.
- Extractions aid effective treatment. Following tooth extractions, your mouth is likely to feel more comfortable. Also, there will no longer be pockets between your gums and teeth that could collect harmful bacteria. It will therefore be easier for your dentist to treat your condition and get your oral health back on track.
Of course, extractions are not always used to treat gum disease. If the infection is caught early enough, it can usually be reversed without the removal of any teeth.
What Are the Options for Tooth Replacement after Gum Disease Treatment?
You may be a bit disheartened when you learn that you must get one or more of your teeth removed. However, you have reason to be hopeful! Once your gums are free of active infections, you may be eligible for tooth replacement.
For example, you may be able to receive dental implants, which rebuild missing teeth from the roots up. Alternatively, you might choose to get a fixed bridge or a conventional denture.
Tooth removal can be an important part of your path to recovery from gum disease. If your dentist recommends that you undergo extractions, you can be confident that they have your best interests at heart.
Meet the Practice
The team at Aveni Dental Professionals proudly offers compassionate care in a welcoming environment. We perform gum disease therapy, extractions, and tooth replacement to help patients regain sound oral health. To learn more about us and the services available in our practice, contact us at 508-746-1918.