Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a very serious problem that can lead to systemic and oral health issues, affecting your body over many years. Gum disease generally starts with your gums swelling or bleeding and can eventually lead to loss of bone around your teeth, loose teeth, or both. A dentist in Vancouver can help you diagnose and treat gum disease sooner rather than later before it becomes a bigger problem. However, there could be times when your dentist may want to pull a tooth in order to treat gum disease. Let’s explore how and when that happens.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is caused by plaque (and bacteria) that lingers around your gums. As more plaque gets trapped and not removed regularly through brushing and dental cleanings, the bacteria can multiply, causing significant injury to gums and bone, and ultimately, systemic health. When gum disease progresses to the advanced stages, teeth can become loose and shift. At some point in this process, the dentist near you may recommend removing one of the teeth in order to help save the rest and slow down the disease.
Will Pulling a Tooth Help Your Gum Disease?
Many people ask, “Does pulling a tooth help my gum disease?” Whether removal of a tooth is an option for therapy depends on the level of progression of the disease and how healthy your tooth remains. If the tooth is too damaged, keeping it can make the disease worse. In these cases, taking the tooth out can help stop the infection from spreading further. When gum disease has caused severe damage to the bone around a tooth, removing that tooth might be the only way to give your gums a chance to heal. This is often the last step after other treatments have not worked.
Find a Reliable Dental Team
At Dentists at Oakridge, we always try to save teeth when possible. But if your gum disease is advanced and affecting your health, we may discuss safe and gentle removal as part of your care plan. We take time to explain your options and answer all your questions.
Exploring Treatment Options
Many gum disease treatment options don’t involve pulling a tooth. These include brushing and flossing daily, professional cleanings, and deep cleaning procedures. Your dentist may also use special rinses, medications, or laser therapy to treat gum infections.
When Is Tooth Removal Necessary?
Your dentist will decide when to remove a tooth for gum disease based on several signs. These include severe bone loss, pain that doesn’t go away, or infection that keeps returning. If the tooth can’t be saved and is affecting nearby teeth or your overall health, removing it may be the right move.
Tooth Extraction for Gum Disease
If a tooth is too loose, infected, or painful, your dentist may recommend tooth removal for gum disease. This helps stop the disease from spreading and allows your mouth to heal. Once healing begins, you and your dentist can talk about options to replace the missing tooth. Common replacement options include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Replacing the tooth can restore your ability to chew and speak properly. It also helps maintain the shape of your face and keeps other teeth from shifting.
Tooth Removal and Gum Health
Some people worry that losing a tooth might make things worse, but tooth extraction and gum health can go together. Taking out a badly infected tooth gives the surrounding gum and bone a chance to recover. It also makes it easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Without the constant presence of infection, your gums can heal more effectively. This reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of future problems in nearby teeth. Your dentist will also guide you through options to replace the missing tooth if needed. With proper care, your mouth can return to a healthier and more comfortable state.
Managing Gum Disease with Tooth Extraction
Managing gum disease with your tooth extraction is not a quick fix, but it can be a helpful step when other treatments haven’t worked. It’s one part of a larger plan to stop infection, protect your remaining teeth, and improve your overall oral health. After the area heals, your dentist may suggest ways to restore your smile, like implants or bridges. This helps keep your bite strong and prevents other teeth from shifting. Taking action early can make a big difference in your long-term dental health.
Part of Periodontal Therapy
Tooth removal can be part of periodontal therapy in Vancouver, especially when a tooth is beyond saving. This type of therapy includes deep cleaning, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery to fight infection and help your gums heal. Pulling a tooth may be part of a complete plan to restore your oral health.
Your Next Step Toward Healthy Gums
If you have sore gums, loose teeth, or signs of infection, don’t wait. Let the team at Dentists at Oakridge help you understand your options and get the care you need. Whether it’s deep cleaning or tooth removal, we’re here to help you take control of your gum health. Book your appointment today and start your journey to a cleaner, healthier smile. Your gums will thank you!
