Are you tired of having periodontal (gum) disease? It’s a condition that can make smiling just a bit more uncomfortable. You might be fed up with the inflammation or the bleeding when brushing and flossing, so you may wonder what you can do to get rid of it. Many people assume that removing a tooth or two can do the trick. Here’s how this isn’t all that it seems and how your dentist can help.
Can Getting My Teeth Removed Stop My Gum Disease?
To make a long story short, removing your teeth won’t stop gum disease. That’s because the infection isn’t in these structures, but rather in the soft tissues in your mouth. So, an extraction won’t be able to give you the relief you want. Instead, having this procedure and not taking care of the underlying issue can only cause more problems in the end, such as a weakened jawbone and even additional tooth loss.
Are Extractions Ever Necessary for Gum Disease?
With that said, there are some cases where having these dental structures removed may be recommended depending on how severe the infection is. As was mentioned above, your jaw can start to weaken, but your gums will start to recede as well.
There might not be enough support for your teeth, so one might start to wiggle more than it should. This can lead to discomfort but also worsen the problem, so having the affected tooth pulled can avoid further harm.
How Can My Dentist Treat My Gum Disease?
Since getting an extraction won’t treat your gum disease, you might wonder what can be done. Depending on your unique case, there are a few things that can be considered, such as:
- Scaling & Root Planing: Also known as a deep cleaning, your dentist will clear away harmful plaque from underneath your gumline in the pockets and smooth out the roots. That way, the soft tissues are encouraged to reattach.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy: This service uses state-of-the-art technology to remove damaged tissue and speed up your recovery.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Often used in tandem with the other treatments above, this can be pills or mouthwash that can stop harmful bacteria from building up again.
- Perio Protect: This uses trays with medicated gel that sit against your gumline, helping your gums heal.
Although having a tooth removed might not treat gum disease, there are many ways you can get it handled with help from your dentist. Simply reach out to them, and you can get this condition under control and feel confident with a plan to get your stronger smile back.
About the Author
Dr. Yelena Obholz earned her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. She has since undergone advanced work in periodontics, gaining experience that she uses to treat gum disease in North Bethesda. Dr. Obholz is here to ensure your grin stays the best it can be with personalized care that gets you to the results you want. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call her office at (301) 658-7647.