Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to severe damage (periodontitis), which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. For people with advanced gum disease, tooth extraction may sometimes be necessary. But this raises an important question: Will gum disease go away once the teeth are removed? While extracting teeth affected by gum disease can help manage certain symptoms, it doesn’t automatically eliminate the underlying infection or the potential for ongoing oral health issues.
What Happens When Gum Disease is Left Untreated
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth and gums. If not removed through proper brushing and flossing, this bacteria can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation, recession, and eventually, bone loss.
In advanced stages, gum disease doesn’t just affect the teeth; it impacts the entire oral environment, including the gum tissues and jawbone. This means that even if teeth are removed, the disease process can continue in the surrounding tissues.
Tooth Extraction and Gum Disease
In some cases, severely infected or loose teeth may need to be extracted as part of gum disease treatment. Removing these teeth can reduce sources of infection, relieve pain, and make it easier to maintain a clean, healthy mouth.
However, it’s important to understand that gum disease is a condition of the gums and bone, not just the teeth. Extraction can help, but it does not cure the disease. Bacteria can remain in the gum pockets or bone tissue, continuing to cause inflammation and deterioration if not properly addressed.
What Needs to Happen After Extractions
If you’ve had teeth removed due to gum disease, your dentist or periodontist will likely recommend additional steps to manage and treat the condition. Deep cleanings such as scaling and root planing may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. In some cases, local or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce bacterial infection.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using antibacterial mouth rinses are crucial to prevent the disease from spreading. Ongoing monitoring ensures that the infection is under control and that the gums are healing properly. If significant bone loss has occurred, your dentist may recommend procedures to rebuild lost tissue, especially if you plan to get dental implants in the future.
While extracting teeth affected by severe gum disease may help relieve symptoms and stop localized damage, it doesn’t automatically cure the condition. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone, and without proper treatment, it can continue to progress, even in areas where no teeth are present.
About the Practice
Has advanced gum disease warranted that you have teeth extracted? Do you find yourself needing immediate care? At Turning Leaf Dental, we can get you in quickly with a same-day appointment for urgent attention or even a Saturday booking if you can’t get in during the week. We also welcome dental insurance and will be sure to maximize your benefits to ease the burden of costs on you. Schedule your appointment online or call our Boston office at (617) 536-5182.