I had my wisdom teeth extracted several years ago. I hadn’t really had any problems with them until the last few months. If I brush back there, they start to bleed. My dentist said there doesn’t seem to be a problem with the extraction site, so why are they bleeding?
Wayne
Dear Wayne,
Usually, when our gums are bleeding, it is an indication of gum disease being present. Is it possible that you don’t brush that area as often as you should? It may be because you no longer have teeth there you forget that the gums need to be cleaned as well. Or maybe, you not getting the backside of the teeth that are now your very back teeth.
You don’t want to let this spread because it can cost you the health of your teeth. Gum disease, when left untreated will both reduce your bone support and spread to other teeth. Once that bone support has gone, your teeth can literally fall out. This will mean replacing the teeth with something like a dental implant. Intervention now can prevent costly procedures.
I’m a little concerned your dentist was only interested in the extraction itself. Some “bread and butter” type dentists only check for cavities and don’t screen as often for conditions such as periodontal disease, bruxism, or TMJ Disorder. Any one of those things can derail your oral health quickly. I’m going to suggest you see a periodontist just to be safe and find out if any intervention is necessary. In the meantime, make sure you are brushing back there twice daily.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
