The lady is showing a gum with disease

Can Gum Disease Be Cured by Removing Teeth?

Almost half of Americans over the age of 30 are affected by gum disease; if you fall into this group, then you’ll want to seek treatment as soon as you can before it has devastating effects on the rest of your body. You might have heard that tooth extraction is a possible form of treatment for gum disease in Scripps Ranch. Could giving up a few teeth really be the solution for restoring your oral health? Read on to learn more about why this procedure is performed to treat periodontal disease and whether it will truly solve your underlying problem.

Why are Tooth Extractions Performed for Gum Disease?

While the early stages of gum disease are characterized by comparatively mild symptoms like redness and swelling, the more advanced stages – which are often referred to as periodontitis – can directly lead to bone loss in the jaw. That, in turn, causes the teeth to become loose, making it difficult to chew your favorite foods. Loose teeth also make it easier for food particles and harmful bacteria to become trapped in the pockets between the teeth and gums, making gum disease worse. As such, removing the teeth may improve your oral comfort and make it easier to control the infection so that it doesn’t grow any worse. However, this is only done as a last resort when the teeth have reached the point where they can no longer be saved.

So Will Tooth Extractions Stop Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums, not your teeth. As such, a tooth extraction alone will not cure your gum disease. You can consider it to be part of an ongoing effort to help you regain control of your oral health. There are other treatments that can be performed to combat gum disease more directly. For example, scaling and root planing can be used to remove plaque from below your gum line while also smoothing the tooth roots so that there are fewer rough spots for bacteria to gather.

Can Extracted Teeth Be Replaced?

Whenever teeth are removed or lost, it’s best to have them replaced so that your mouth can continue to function normally. Dental implants are often an excellent option for filling in the gaps in your grin as they are the only type of tooth replacement that can restore lost tooth roots. However, your gum disease will have to be successfully treated before dental implants can be placed. Your dentist can go over your options for tooth replacement with you and walk you through the steps that need to be taken before you can enjoy a full grin again.

Bear in mind that while teeth can be extracted and replaced if need be, it’s always best to keep your natural smile intact whenever possible, so be sure to continue attending your regular dental checkups so that your dentist can treat gum disease as soon as it appears. And if you do end up needing tooth extractions in Scripps Ranch, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the process and the long-term impact on your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Greg Friedman entered private practice in 1990 in Pacific Beach before eventually moving to Scripps Ranch. At his current practice, MOD Squad Dental, Dr. Friedman always takes the time to get to know each and every patient so that he can provide the best possible treatment for their situation. He offers a variety of solutions for gum disease, and he is happy to help you replace any teeth that have to be removed. To schedule a checkup or a periodontal consultation with Dr. Friedman, visit his website or call (858) 682-2394.

You may also like: