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Information on a Dental Extraction & Inflammation

Inflammation is the immune system's response to infections. The swelling protects the infected area from injury or irritation. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, and is the leading cause of tooth loss, including loss by extraction.

  1. Understanding Inflammation

    • The inflammation in periodontal disease should not be ignored. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) states that periodontal disease used to be attributed to bacteria, but is now believed to be caused by a systemic inflammatory response to the bacteria.

    First Cause of Inflammation

    • When the gums become inflamed due to an infection or gum disease, it is one of the first signs that a tooth must be checked for possible extraction. Inflammation of the tooth pulp (the inner area of tooth that contains the nerve of the tooth) can also warrant an extraction if the infection is too extensive to be treated by a root canal. These conditions are usually caused by caries, and inflammation around that tooth can occur even without periodontal disease.

    Second Cause of Inflammation

    • When the tooth becomes infected due to trauma or decay, the infection can "leak" out of the root of the tooth into the space between the gum and tooth, leading to what is known as an "abscessed tooth". An abscess is an area of pus caused by an infection, and is the most visible sign of infection. Abscessed teeth will need a root canal, or in worst cases, an immediate extraction after the abscess is drained.

    Inflammation After the Extraction

    • A condition called "dry socket" can develop after an extraction. Dry socket is an inflammation of the bony lining of where the tooth used to be. It's not an infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. The inflammation can be managed to some degree with medications, but only time will truly alleviate the extensive pain caused by "dry socket."

    Links to Other Diseases

    • The Journal of Periodontology reports that periodontal disease may be closely linked to other inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. More physicians and dentists now recommend that a patient report the development of periodontal disease to all physicians that may be treating him.

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