Gum disease, which is also referred to as periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health problems among adults. It starts out as a mild infection, but as it progresses, it can cause serious damage. If you have this condition, you should certainly seek timely treatment. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist might urge you to under some tooth extractions.
Do tooth extractions cure gum disease, or is there another reason why they are frequently part of a periodontal treatment plan? Continue reading this article to discover the answer.
Do Tooth Extractions Make Gum Disease Go Away?
It is important to note that gum disease affects the soft pink tissue around the teeth. It does not attack the teeth themselves. Therefore, tooth extractions cannot directly address gum disease.
To address gum disease, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics, urge you to make changes to your daily oral hygiene habits, and/or perform a deep cleaning of your mouth. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove diseased tissue. Each person’s treatment plan is tailored to account for the details of their specific case.
Why Are Extractions Part of Gum Disease Treatment?
Since tooth extractions do not actually cure gum disease, why are they often recommended as part of a periodontal treatment plan? There are a couple of reasons:
- Gum disease affects the way your teeth function. As gum disease progresses, it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. It can also cause the bone loss in the jaw. Eventually, gum disease can become so severe that the teeth are no longer secure in the mouth. They may become very loose and cause problems with eating and speaking.
- Extractions clear the way for effective treatment. After tooth extractions, your mouth may feel more comfortable. Also, there will no longer be pockets between your teeth and gums where harmful bacteria could accumulate. Therefore, it will be easier for your dentist to treat your condition.
What Are the Options for Tooth Replacement after Gum Disease Treatment?
Of course, it is understandable if you are a bit disheartened when you discover that one or more of your teeth must be removed. However, you have good reason to be optimistic! After your gums are free of active infections, you can ask your dentist about your tooth replacement options.
Dental implants are an excellent choice because they mimic the structure of natural teeth, from their roots to their crowns. Dental bridges and dentures are other popular choices.
Tooth removal will not directly fight your gum disease. Nevertheless, extractions can be an important step on your road to recovery.
Meet the Practice
The team of experts at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry in Belmont is proud to offer tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, and tooth replacement in our modern, inviting dental office. To learn how we may be able to help you in your quest to achieve optimum oral health, contact us at 603-556-7047.