<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Hi Dr.Bhati,I have a molar tooth at the back of my mouth that is painful at times . My dentist said that the gum around the tooth is infected with bacteria and needs to have it extracted.I dont want to pull this tooth before trying other options.What other options is there to get rid of this pocket of bacteria in the gum around the tooth ?Thank you for your time. and I await your response to my problem.  <response>: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Usually, in cases of mild periodontitis with pocket formation, deep scaling and root planning has to be done. Tissue grafting has to be done if necessary. But if the tooth is severely compromised with periodontal infection, prognosis after retaining tooth will be poor. In such cases, tooth has to be extracted. Take complete course of antibiotics-analgesics. I would suggest you to proceed the treatment as per your dentists advice. Maintain oral hygiene well. Take care. 