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Considering Extraction due to Periodontitis

Considering Extraction due to Periodontitis

Considering Extraction due to Periodontitis

When an extraction is necessary

When too much bone around a tooth has been lost due to severe periodontal disease (also called periodontitis), sometimes the best treatment is to remove the tooth to maintain the health of your mouth.

Periodontal disease causes bone loss

Teeth are held in place by the height and shape of the jawbone, but when teeth and gums are infected by the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, the disease process begins to destroy the bone that surrounds the teeth.

Left untreated, periodontal disease destroys so much bone that there is not enough support for the teeth. In severe cases, the teeth become very loose and cannot be saved.

Diagnosis and treatment

To determine if an extraction is right for your situation, we'll do a thorough examination, which typically includes x-rays. In advanced gum disease, sometimes called periodontitis, x-rays show us low and uneven bone levels around the teeth. The condition is especially obvious when compared to x-rays of a healthy mouth, in which the bone comes up high around the necks of the teeth.

Many times we can save teeth. Aggressive periodontal therapy, frequent periodontal maintenance appointments in our office, and consistent homecare can halt the progression of periodontal disease and stop the bone loss. Sometimes we also recommend periodontal surgery to save teeth.

However, if your teeth continue to loosen and the destruction persists, our only option will be to remove the affected tooth. It's important to extract a tooth that cannot be saved as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection.

We often recommend replacing an extracted tooth to preserve remaining jawbone and stabilize your bite, so we'll talk with you about your replacement options.

Patient Reviews

  • Dr. Rehder and the entire staff are friendly and compassionate. They accommodate my needs as a patient and treat me as a personal friend. Professionally, they provide the utmost care and advice, the patient always comes first. I can’t say enough positive comments about this practice.

    ~Review by Eileen S.

  • Dr. Rehder is very professional, yet not too serious as he is doing your teeth. He makes it relaxing and is able to keep your mind away from his work (I have never liked going to the dentist, but Dr. Rehder makes the experience as close to pleasant as a dentist visit can be).

    ~Review by Mary Ellen M.

  • Thank you Dr. Rehder and Christine for the "always exciting" and "never a dull moment" orthodontist appointment. See you in two weeks to do it all over again. Ok maybe-not ALL over again.

    ~Review by Elena C.

  • I had a great experience with Dr. Rehder. He is very informative and professional. All of the staff were so nice and helpful. My overall experience was one of the best I had with a dental office. I would definitely recommend people to come here.

    ~Review by Paulina C.

  • Professional staff. Makes you feel at ease, would highly recommend.

    ~Review by Diane S.

  • Always wonderful visits at Pinefield Dental. I've been a patient since the very early 90s. The staff is my extended family & takes care of my teeth with the utmost professionalism. This is my dental home.

    ~Review by Kenneth C.

  • The doctor and staff were wonderful. My experience is always great. The staff is very caring and always professional. The hours are very convenient as well. They will be able to accommodate anyone's schedule.

    ~Review by Amanda C.

  • Richard F. Gittleson, DDS Reviews No one likes/enjoys going to the dentist, but our dentist (Dr. Gittleson) and his staff are so pleasant they help relieve a patient fears.

    ~Review by Patricia L.

  • Highly recommended, I’ve been a patient since 1983.

    ~Review by Charles G.

  • Excellent.

    ~Review by Dom J.

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