When I saw my dentist two weeks ago, she recommended extracting my remaining 18 teeth and getting dentures because I have advanced gum disease and bone loss. Some of my teeth are healthy. Do we need to extract 18 teeth? Does it make sense to try to save some teeth, or are too many missing? – Thanks. Andrei from Sacramento

Andrei,

Dentists differ in how strongly they focus on saving natural teeth. Preserving a tooth can take time, skill, and careful judgment, and the attempt doesn’t always succeed. Still, when it is reasonable, many experienced dentists will make a thoughtful effort to keep healthy teeth in place. When teeth remain structurally sound, keeping them is usually beneficial.

What’s the Best Approach If Most of Your Teeth Are Missing?

Many dentists recommend removing only the teeth that cannot be saved. At the same time, they treat your gum disease to preserve as many remaining teeth as possible. This balanced approach protects your oral health while avoiding unnecessary extractions.

A 20-year study by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) showed that periodontal therapy to save teeth with severe bone loss is more cost-effective and healthier than tooth replacement.

However, if you have fewer than about 17 teeth, replacing missing teeth helps distribute biting forces and reduces strain on your remaining teeth.

What Commitment Will You Need to Save Your Teeth?

Saving your teeth when you have advanced gum disease requires commitment from you and your dental team. Treatment can be very effective, but it depends heavily on consistent care.

You will likely need professional periodontal therapy. This typically includes:

• A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) by a hygienist experienced with gum disease treatment
• Regular periodontal maintenance visits, usually every three months
• Ongoing monitoring of gum health and bone support

These visits focus on controlling infection and preventing further breakdown.

What Should You Do at Home to Help Preserve Your Teeth?

Your daily care is essential to the success of treatment. Even the best professional care cannot succeed without consistent habits at home.

To support healing and protect your teeth:

• Brush thoroughly at least twice a day
• Floss or use interdental cleaners daily
• Follow any additional instructions your dental team provides

With consistent care and the right treatment plan, many patients can stabilize gum disease and keep their natural teeth for years.

 

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.