If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you might be wondering what to do next. In some cases, your dentist may suggest removing a tooth or teeth that can’t be saved. The goal is to improve your oral health and minimize inflammation.
Gum disease happens when bacteria infect your gums, causing them to swell and bleed. If not treated, this can lead to gum recession, exposed tooth roots, and even the loss of bone and eventual tooth loss.
If your dentist suggests extracting a tooth due to gum disease, it’s likely because the tooth will eventually fall out on its own. Removing it early helps the dentist better treat the gum disease and prepares your jaw for a replacement like a dental implant by minimizing bone loss from the inflammation.
Remember, removing damaged teeth won’t cure gum disease on its own, but it’s often a necessary step in treatment. If your dentist recommends extraction, understanding the benefits of the procedure is important.
