Sedation Clinics
Did you know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? If your connective tissues become swollen, irritated, or infected, they can leave your teeth without a firm enough foundation to remain in place.
Although gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be reversed, you’ll need your dentist’s help to address more severe periodontal problems. For example, if your connective tissues have begun to recede and have left one or more teeth without a firm foundation, they may need to be extracted. But will this clear up your gum disease? Keep reading to find out!
What Causes Gum Disease?
Your mouth is full of harmful bacteria that can penetrate your enamel or gums to cause harm. If plaque and germs infect your connective tissues, it can cause swelling and irritation.
There are many potential causes, such as poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, other medical conditions (like diabetes), or eating an overly sugary diet. Fortunately, it can be prevented by brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease, can sometimes be halted by enhancing your at-home dental hygiene regimen or visiting your dentist. They can provide a professional cleaning to remove even the most stubborn tartar and bacteria buildup to avoid this common but concerning condition.
If that doesn’t help, they might suggest scaling and root planing, a two-part procedure. During your first visit, they’ll use specialized instruments to clean deeply into the pockets of your gums to eradicate germs. Then, at a separate appointment, they’ll smooth your enamel to encourage your connective tissues to regrow.
Will Extracting Affected Teeth Treat My Gum Disease?
Unfortunately, as your gum disease progresses, it can erode the connective and bone tissues keeping your teeth firmly planted. This can cause them to become loose or destabilized in the socket, which gives unwanted bacteria plenty of space to thrive and worsen your condition.
In these instances, your dentist might recommend extracting the affected tooth. Although this won’t remove the underlying issue, it allows them to prevent the illness from spreading to neighboring teeth. Then, they’ll work with you to treat the root concern and find provide an appropriate restoration, like a dental implant, bridge, or dentures.
Removing your pearly whites won’t directly treat gum disease, but it can help safeguard your smile by preventing the problem from spreading!
About the Practice
Patients at Dental Wellness of Lexington benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience. Our providers collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including tooth extractions. They take the time to learn about your unique goals and concerns, they tailor treatment plans to address them. Then, their compassionate approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology for comfortable, accurate results. Plus, they offer multiple options for sedation to help you through your procedure. You can request an appointment on the website or call (859) 223-4644.