Does your tooth really need pulling? You may want a second opinion. Some candidates for tooth extraction have visited my office and we were able to save the tooth using guided tissue regeneration (GTR), or just scaling.

GTR enables bone to regrow around an endangered tooth. In the process, the root is cleaned and infected tissues are removed. A GTR membrane is placed around the tooth to provide a barrier that separates growing gum tissue from the newly cleaned tooth root surface. Then the slower growing cells migrate to the protected area, growing new bone.

Scaling is the cleaning process below the gum line. It usually consists of removing larger chunks of tartar with a device that uses high frequency sound to blast tartar away. Hand-held instruments called scalers and curettes clear away calcium deposits.  The root is then planed until it is smooth, removing deposits that can collect bacteria, buffing out any scratches and providing a smooth surface for gum fibers to reattach and pockets to shrink to a maintainable level.

If a tooth is removed, this can begin a domino effect.  For example, now you may need an expensive bridge, a removable partial plate or you could be on the way to full dentures.  Implants are wonderful, but keeping your own teeth is more predictable and less expensive

Overall, the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in adults has decreased from the early 1970s until the latest survey (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research). Adults age 20 to 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth (out of 28-32). Older adults, Black adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes and less education have fewer remaining teeth. Nearly four percent of adults 20 to 64 have no remaining teeth. Today’s technology makes it much easier to keep teeth for life. Make sure a tooth really needs to be pulled before having it done. A periodontist might be able to help. Here are some other tips for a healthy mouth:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
• Ask your doctor if your medicines have side effects that might damage your teeth (For example, some medicines may cause you to have a dry mouth)
• Look inside your mouth regularly for sores that don’t heal, irritated gums or other changes
• See your dentist regularly; everyone misses places within 2-3 months.

Kitsie Hendrix, D.D.S. - Kitsie Hendrix, D.D.S., graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry, subsequently earning certification in periodontology from the University of Pennsylvania. A periodontist,  Hendrix specializes in gum and dental implant surgery and has practiced for over 27 years.  Passionate about people, Hendrix has traveled worldwide providing free dental care through mission work.