Does Tooth Extraction Cure Nodule Related Illness?

“Hello, I have a question, if that’s alright. My dentist repeatedly told me that a nodule in the gums will not be cured by root resection, and wants to extract the tooth and put in a crown; my question is, will this work? If you remove the tooth, will the gingiva be able to heal itself?

Thank you, Balázs”

Dear Balázs,

Many times the nodule will be removed along with the tooth, and the oral surgeon will use a curette to clean the area afterwards,. so whatever may be left of the nodule will certainly be removed, even if it goes all the way down to the bone. Sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed as a mode of aftercare just in case, but usually the infection will be long gone even if the patient does not take them. The gap where the tooth used to be and the wound will be filled with blood that has a high concentration of stem cells. The stem cells will turn into bone tissue, gum material, etc, and fill the space up. If the nodule was caused by an infection of the tooth, an extraction will indeed cure it.

8 weeks after extraction, you can start the preliminary work for a bridge, which will entail the shaping of the teeth next to the extraction site. If your financial situation and health status permit it, you can also get a dental implant to replace the extracted tooth, this way your teeth will not have to be shaped.