Why Periodontal Disease Often Leads To Tooth Extractions
According to research, nearly half of Americans over 30 have gum disease. Furthermore, many of these cases progress to periodontal conditions over time as bacteria become more established.
This disease is serious because it can get into teeth roots and the supporting bone, weakening them over time. Eventually, many people need an extraction or experience sudden tooth loss.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal means “around the tooth.” The condition occurs when bacteria damage the gum lining and make their way deeper towards the roots, sometimes creating a dangerous structure in the gum called a “pocket” that allows more germs to enter over time.
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This superficial condition leads to bleeding gums but is reversible.
If nothing is done, the disease spreads. During early periodontitis, the infection attacks the underlying jaw bone and it starts to recede. The gums can also recede, leading to a long-in-the-tooth appearance.
Once the bacteria damage the bone and surrounding tissue, it is hard to correct it without an extraction. Gums may continue to experience worsening infections over time.
Advanced periodontitis is when bone loss is so severe that it causes teeth to fall out. Ideally, you want to catch and treat the condition before this happens.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Most people get periodontal disease because of plaque buildup. This sticky bacterial residue accumulates on teeth and gums, increasing damage to the surrounding tissue and increasing the risk of bacteria penetrating further.
The solution to this problem is to:
- Reduce intake of sugary or floury foods
- Improve brushing/flossing habits
Of course, periodontal disease can arise for other reasons, besides a poor diet and oral hygiene, people who smoke or chew tobacco are at higher risk. That’s because tobacco damages the gum lining.
Impacted wisdom teeth are another cause. If these don’t come through properly, they can create a pocket in the gum, leading to repeated periodontitis episodes.
Why Extractions Are Necessary In Periodontitis Cases
Sometimes, periodontitis will clear up with antibiotics and proper oral hygiene. The medications remove the bacteria from the deep tissue while better brushing restores the gum line.
Unfortunately, the damage is sometimes too extensive for interventions like these. When the bone and gum are being destroyed, the tooth becomes loose and can’t stay in place. Often, leaving it would allow the infection to spread further through the mouth and damage other parts of the body, so extraction is the best option. Taking it out reduces bacterial viability and prevents inflammation from spreading to the rest of the body.
How To Prevent Periodontal Disease
Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable with brushing and flossing. We also recommend you go to your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning to detect if you have periodontal disease. And consider quitting smoking and avoiding sugar to reduce your risk of developing the disease.
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