Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious health concern that affects millions of people. If it is not treated in its early stages, it can cause persistent swelling, bleeding, pain, and even loose teeth. In fact, it is a leading cause of tooth loss! But will removing your teeth make your gum disease go away? This blog post explores the role of tooth extractions in gum disease treatment.
It Is Best to Keep Your Natural Teeth if Possible
Your natural teeth are valuable for many reasons beyond chewing. They support the shape of your face, help you speak clearly, and allow you to eat a wide variety of foods. Keeping them also helps maintain the integrity of your jawbone, since the roots stimulate the bone and prevent bone loss. When teeth are extracted, the jawbone can begin to recede, which may affect your appearance and the stability of your other teeth.
Therefore, you should not be too hasty to get your teeth removed, even if you have gum disease. Your dentist will likely only recommend extractions if your condition is quite severe. In most other cases, there are effective treatment methods that do not involve the removal of any teeth, such as a deep cleaning of the mouth known as scaling and root planing.
The Role of Tooth Extractions in Gum Disease Treatment
Of course, there are situations in which extractions are an important part of a gum disease treatment plan. If your condition has advanced to the point where your teeth are extremely loose, infected, or surrounded by significant bone loss, your dentist may recommend removing those teeth.
Although extractions do not address the bacteria that cause gum disease, they can make it easier for your care team to address your infection. After your teeth are removed, your dentist can thoroughly clean your gum tissues to rid them of harmful bacteria. In some cases, surgery to remove diseased parts of the gums is also necessary.
In addition to clearing the way for effective treatment, strategic tooth extractions may also make you more comfortable. You will no longer have to deal with loose teeth or teeth that have their sensitive roots exposed to outside stimuli.
Rebuilding Your Smile After Extractions and Gum Disease Treatment
Tooth extractions can be beneficial, but they have some downsides. Your ability to chew food may be affected, and you might feel self-conscious about your appearance. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers many solutions to rebuild your smile. Options like dental implants, fixed bridges, or removable dentures can replace missing teeth and restore function. Once your gum disease is well-managed, your dentist can discuss your tooth replacement possibilities with you.
Tooth extractions can be an important step on your path to a healthy smile! Consult with a qualified dentist to learn about the approach to treatment that is best for your unique situation.
Meet the Practice
At Aveni Dental Professionals, we do everything in our power to help patients fight gum disease. We offer deep dental cleanings, tooth extractions, and other services that can contribute to a healthy smile. If you are concerned about your gum health, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our Plymouth, MA, office at 508-217-7454.