At Lagrange Family Dentistry, we believe that oral health is deeply connected to whole-body health. That’s why we take a holistic approach to many procedures, including extractions. One often-overlooked step that we intentionally address is removing the periodontal ligament.
What Is the Periodontal Ligament?
When a tooth is extracted, particularly in areas affected by gum disease, there’s often a dense, fibrous layer of tissue called the periodontal ligament (PDL) that remains in the socket. This tissue can harbor bacteria, toxins, and inflammatory cells that may lead to delayed healing or even systemic inflammation if left behind.
Why We Remove It
Many traditional extraction techniques leave the PDL in place, allowing the body to resorb it over time. However, in our practice, we choose to intentionally remove this tissue for several key reasons:
- Promotes True Healing: Clearing out the infected ligament and any granulation tissue allows fresh, healthy blood to fill the socket—kickstarting the natural healing process.
- Prevents Residual Infection: Removing bacterial biofilm and diseased tissue lowers the risk of dry socket, lingering infection, or the development of cavitations.
- Supports Whole-Body Health: Chronic low-grade infections in the mouth can contribute to systemic issues like heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and chronic fatigue. By addressing infection thoroughly, we support the body beyond just oral health.
Our Holistic Technique
During an extraction, we go beyond simply removing the tooth. Our process includes:
- Gentle Extraction Techniques that preserve the surrounding bone.
- Thorough Debridement of the socket, including periodontal ligament removal.
- Irrigation with Healing Solutions such as ozonated water or saline to disinfect the area.
- Placement of Collagen in the socket to promote clot stability, protect the site, and enhance guided tissue regeneration.
A Healthier Path Forward
Choosing holistic dentistry means choosing a provider who sees the mouth as part of the whole body. Whether you’re having a routine extraction or addressing chronic gum disease, our team is committed to treatments that promote true healing, not just symptom relief.
If you’re considering a tooth extraction or want to learn more about how we implement a holistic approach to support your long-term health, we’d love to talk with you.
Lagrange Family Dentistry — Creating Bright Smiles That Reflect the Light of Jesus.
