Should a tooth be pulled if gums are inflamed or you have an abscess?

In general, dentists try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are some situations when extracting a tooth may be the best option, including:

Severe gum disease: If gum disease has progressed to the point where the bone supporting the tooth has been significantly damaged, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Advanced tooth decay: If a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown, it may need to be extracted.

Infection: If a tooth is infected and the infection cannot be treated with antibiotics or root canal therapy, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Impacted tooth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to erupt fully from the gum tissue. Impacted teeth can cause pain and damage to surrounding teeth, and may need to be extracted.

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can occur in the gums or around the root of a tooth. Abscesses can be caused by bacterial infections and can cause pain, swelling, and fever. Treatment for an abscess typically involves antibiotics and drainage of the pus. In some cases, an abscess may also require extraction of the affected tooth.

Before making the decision to extract a tooth, your dentist will carefully evaluate your oral health and discuss all of your treatment options with you. They will consider the severity of the gum disease or infection, the condition of the tooth, and the long-term prognosis for your oral health.