Tooth Extraction for Severe Gum Disease

There are several reasons why it might no longer be possible to save a decayed tooth. Impaction, overcrowding, and severe damage to the jawbone due to trauma may require tooth extraction. Your dentist may also recommend removal due to severe gum disease. This infection of the gums and their surrounding structures can loosen the tooth. In this case, tooth extraction is a viable solution. Here’s what you need to know if you have gum disease and how it can be treated.

 

Gum Disease Types and Symptoms

Healthy gums are supposed to be pink, have a solid texture, and firm, keeping your teeth secure in place. They should not bleed upon touching or brushing them. But poor oral hygiene and other factors can cause bacteria in plaque to grow and build up. There are several forms of gum disease, including:

 

Gingivitis

Inflammation is your gums’ typical response to bacterial plaque. This is a milder form of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. There’s no bone loss with gingivitis, and the damage is reversible.

 

Periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis is marked by an accelerated loss of gum attachment. Bone destruction is also expected within a short period. Another form is known as chronic periodontitis. It’s most prevalent and tends to progress slowly. Advanced symptoms are bad breath, loose teeth, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and collection of pus under the teeth or gumline.

 

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease

This is a rare case of infection arising from the death of the gum tissues that surround the tooth and connect the bone. Its symptoms are much more severe. These include foul mouth odor, painful gums, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Bleeding, painful ulcers, excess saliva in the mouth, and fever are also common.

 

What to Expect During Tooth Extraction

As previously mentioned, tooth extraction may be necessary if decay or infection has reached deep into your mouth. Here’s what to expect:

 

• Your dentist will start by reviewing your medical and dental history thoroughly. They will likely conduct imaging tests to determine the shape, length, and position of the affected tooth and its surrounding structures.
   

• Through their findings, your dentist will know the best way to extract your tooth. If necessary, they may refer you to an oral surgeon.
   

• Before removing the decayed or infected tooth, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. This is expected for simple tooth extraction.
   

• After the procedure, it’s crucial that you keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. Immediately following the tooth extraction, your dentist will likely ask you to bite down on a piece of sterile gauze for half an hour or longer. This will control the bleeding as the clotting takes place.
   

• Your dentist will discuss the aftercare instructions in detail. For the first 24 hours, you should refrain from smoking and rinsing your mouth vigorously. Expect to deal with a certain amount of pain. Depending on the discomfort you’re experiencing, your dentist may prescribe a pain reliever.
  
   

Do you think you may have gum disease? The sooner you visit your dentist and seek treatment, the higher your chances of saving your teeth. Schedule your dental examination today with the Oral Surgical Associates in Missoula, Montana.

 

Learn more about treating gum disease & tooth extractions, contact Oral Surgical Associates in Missoula or Hamilton, MT at (406) 282-8768.