Periodontal Problems: Does Extraction Halt Gum Disease?

Under normal circumstances, you can count on your dentist to do everything they can to protect and preserve your natural teeth. For instance, if you develop a cavity, the standard solution is to place a tooth-colored filling to restore its appearance while allowing you to continue using it normally.

However, there are some scenarios in which removing a problematic tooth is the best way to safeguard your smile. For instance, you might require extraction to halt the progress of periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. If you’re unsure how this treatment helps, read on to learn more about it!

What is Gum Disease?

Your mouth is full of bacteria, and while some of these are beneficial, others are infamous for causing oral issues. For example, if harmful germs in your mouth form plaque along your gumline, they can penetrate your tender tissues. This triggers an infection that causes aches, inflammation, bad breath, and bleeding when you brush and floss.

Although gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be reversed by improving your at-home dental hygiene routine, it’s unfortunately difficult to spot because it doesn’t always present with visible symptoms. As a result, gum disease often progresses to its more advanced stage, periodontitis.

Why Did My Dentist Recommend an Extraction?

Did you know that periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? As the infection continues to thrive, your connective tissues eventually pull away from your enamel to try to escape it. This exposes more of the roots of your teeth, which can cause them to become destabilized or dislodged.

To make matters worse, your condition can be contagious. The bacteria causing the disease can spread from the pockets of your gums to your teeth or jawbone, eroding the structural foundation of your mouth and facial structure. If this process has already begun, your dentist might recommend removing the affected tooth so they can provide the necessary repairs to the underlying materials.  

Can An Extraction Halt the Progress of Gum Disease?

Technically, removing one of your teeth doesn’t stop the infection that has permeated your connective tissues. With that said, extraction can be an essential aspect of your treatment plan that allows your dentist to begin rehabilitating your smile. With the damaged or insecure tooth out of the way, they can remove or disinfect the damaged connective tissues and/or provide antibiotics to help restore your oral health.

If you have specific questions about your dental condition or why your provider recommended extraction, contacting them directly can provide the answers you seek!

About the Practice

Patients at Taylor Dental Care benefit from a husband-and-wife dental team with decades of combined experience. Drs. Michelle and Glen Taylor graduated together from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and today, they collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including gum disease therapy, to meet all your needs under one roof. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (801) 210-0950.