I Have Gum Disease; Will It Go Away After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a common procedure that may be necessary due to oral infections, injuries, severe dental wear, or the mouth not being large enough to fit all its teeth. While severe gum infections may compromise a tooth to the point where removal is necessary, you may need additional treatments to resolve the problem after the extraction is performed. Here’s a quick look at how your dentist may be able to address your gum disease after tooth extraction.

How Can Gum Disease Make Tooth Extraction Necessary?

The teeth depend on the gums for support, circulation, and nutrition, and infections of the soft oral tissue can erode the foundation keeping them in place or even spread to the dental pulp. While gum disease begins as inflammation called gingivitis that can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, untreated infections will eventually cause periodontitis that will erode the gum tissue and jawbones, resulting in tooth loss. Addressing periodontitis requires treatment from a qualified dental professional.

How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?

Dentists only recommend extraction when a tooth poses a threat to one’s future oral health, and the process is rendered painless with anesthetics. When the patient is appropriately numb, the dentist will use a specialized device called an elevator to lift the tooth from its socket before carefully working it loose with forceps. The patient will also receive detailed aftercare instructions to help them enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery process.

Will Tooth Extractions Resolve My Gum Disease?

If severe soft tissue infection makes extraction necessary, the gums will probably still need to receive periodontal treatment after the tooth is removed. This can take the form of topical antibiotic treatments or scaling and root planing, meaning the dentist uses special tools to clean the pockets of the gums and the roots of the teeth. Some patients may need multiple periodontal treatment sessions to manage their gum disease. Once the gums are healthy, replacing the lost teeth with a bridge, denture, or dental implant may be the best way to prevent further problems.

If your dentist is recommending tooth extraction, you can rest assured that it is the best thing for your oral health, and resolving gum disease can be the most effective way to prevent further tooth loss and other health problems. Adhering to your aftercare instructions is the easiest way to ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery.

About the Practice

On Point Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in Frisco. Led by Drs. Marco Caballeros and Carlos Parra, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer care. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and same-day emergency dentistry as well as extractions. If you are worried about gum disease, contact the office on the web or dial (469) 476-4092.