My gums are sore between my first and second molar teeth. They hurt worse every time I eat, but the pain goes away within an hour. The pain is getting worse, but it’s limited to my gums. I don’t have any toothaches. My dentist completed an x-ray and said nothing was wrong with my teeth. One tooth is an old root canal tooth, but the gums hurt, not the tooth. My dentist says if the pain continues, he might recommend an extraction. Why would a dentist pull a tooth when the gums hurt? Is my dentist trying to upsell me for a dental implant? – Thank you. Keith from Shreveport
Keith,
Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher about your gum sensitivity. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your gums, teeth, and x-rays to identify the source of your discomfort, but we will discuss some causes of gum sensitivity.
What Causes Gum Sensitivity?
Periodontal (gum) disease is often the cause of gum sensitivity and pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control, infection and inflammation from gum disease can cause the following symptoms:
- A change in partial denture fit
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Chronic bad taste
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Red gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
Gum disease treatment can save teeth
You may have gum disease and a deep pocket between your teeth that can trap food particles that cause pain.
Will You Need Tooth Removal?
If your gums are sensitive, most likely you need gum disease treatment, not tooth removal and a dental implant. Even teeth that loosen from gum disease are often savable with root scaling and planing (deep cleaning). We recommend getting a second opinion from an experienced dentist to identify the source of your pain and explain treatment options to resolve it.
Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
