Living with advanced gum disease in DuPont can be devastating to your oral and overall health. When considering your options, you might assume it is best to just have the tooth extracted, which will treat the problem, right? In this article, we will discuss the ways gum disease works and how it extends beyond your pearly whites. We’ll also explain why removing the problematic tooth will not suddenly cause your inflammation and infection to go away.
Can Gum Disease Be Treated With a Tooth Extraction?
Unfortunately, while it might seem like a quick and easy solution, the truth is that removing a loose tooth is not going to treat gum disease. When an infection occurs within the soft oral tissues surrounding your teeth, it impacts more than just your teeth. It also affects the gums and bone, which will continue to be infected even if the tooth is no longer present.
And what makes matters worse is if it is not treated, your bone will continue to deteriorate, negatively impacting other nearby teeth and creating problems for the rest of your body. As the infection and inflammation enter your bloodstream, it can travel to your brain, heart, lungs, and other areas, causing significant health issues to arise.
If Tooth Extraction Isn’t an Option, What Other Types of Treatment Are There?
Tooth extraction in DuPont may be required at some point but only if your dentist does not see other possibilities as viable solutions. Naturally, you will undergo periodontal therapy in the form of scaling and root planing depending on the severity of the disease. Because this usually occurs in the earlier stages, it may be necessary for your dentist to recommend a gum or bone graft.
While deep cleanings are likely to remain a regular occurrence for periodontal patients as well as committing to optimal oral hygiene at home, a gum graft can be performed to cover any exposed areas of the tooth structure. This is common for individuals suffering from gum recession.
Another option is a bone graft, which involves placing grafting materials from another part of your mouth or that of a donor and placing it in the weakened areas of the bone. This will allow the two to integrate and strengthen over time. This can be an optimal method of treatment for individuals who do require tooth extraction but are preparing for a replacement (i.e., dental implant).
Knowing your options is essential, but you should understand that frequent periodontal dental appointments will likely be necessary until otherwise noted by your dentist. Getting the care you need, however, will put you on the right path to better oral health and a smile free of gum disease.
About the Practice
At Dupont Family Dentistry, our team of professionals wants all patients to experience a seamless and successful appointment each time they visit. Offering comprehensive dental care, we uphold the highest standards when it comes to patient health and safety. If you are suffering from gum disease, contact us at (253) 964-7000 to learn about your options for treatment so that we can get your smile back on track.