Advanced gum disease can be devastating. It can make it difficult for you to chew and speak with confidence, and it often causes extreme discomfort! On top of that, it can put your overall health at risk. Indeed, you should do all you can to manage this condition and stop its progression. In some cases, that involves tooth extractions. This blog post discusses the role that tooth removal may play in helping you find freedom from gum disease.
Do Tooth Extractions Actually Treat Gum Disease?
On their own, tooth extractions are not classified as a treatment for gum disease. It is important to remember that gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissue around the roots of teeth. It can also affect the jawbone. However, it does not affect the teeth themselves! Therefore, extractions on their own will not make gum disease go away.
In fact, your dental team will do all they can to help you keep your natural teeth. Many cases of mild to moderate gum disease can be successfully managed without any extractions. However, there are some cases where tooth removal is a vital part of getting gum disease under control.
Tooth Extractions as Part of a Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment Plan
If your gum disease is already advanced, your teeth may have started to loosen in their sockets. Not only is this very uncomfortable, but these teeth can also be a hindrance to successful gum disease treatment. Removing them can deliver several advantages:
- Clearing out the tooth sockets allows your dental team to access areas where harmful plaque and bacteria have accumulated. They can then clean and sanitize these areas to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Loose teeth can accelerate jawbone deterioration. Extractions, on the other hand, reduce stress on the jawbone and prevent additional damage.
- Removing loose teeth can increase your oral comfort.
After you are free of active gum disease, you may not have to live with an incomplete set of teeth! You will likely be eligible for tooth replacement. Depending on the extent of damage to your jawbone, you may be able to get dental implants, a bridge, or dentures. These options can improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
Tooth removal is not always important for gum disease treatment, but in some cases, it is necessary! Talk to your dentist to discover what steps they recommend for your unique situation.
Meet the Practice
At Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut, we strive to provide top-quality care in a patient-centered environment. We offer a wide range of services, including tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, and more. If you would like help to improve your oral health, we are ready to consult with you. Contact our office in East Hartford at 860-288-5786.