Gum disease, if left untreated, often results in tooth loss, leaving many patients to wonder if they can get dental implants. Even gum disease patients who do not develop the advanced form of the disease, known as periodontitis, may want to replace missing or decayed teeth with implants. Is this possible, or will unhealthy gums interfere with the success of the implants?
Dental implants look and act like real teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium steel root that a dentist inserts directly into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth. The dentist then leaves the implant to heal for a period of between four and six months. During the healing process, the steel root actually fuses to the jawbone via a process called osseointegration. The success of this first step is essential to the success of the overall procedure. If the implant does not fuse, it can just fall out, like the natural teeth did.
Implants may not take for a few different reasons. When it comes to periodontal or gum disease, there are two major concerns. One, the implant needs underlying bone matter that is both wide and thick enough to support the faux root. If gum disease has advanced to the point where the jawbone is deteriorating, it may not get that support.
Two implants, like natural teeth, need the gums to surround the root and lower crown. Untreated gum disease continually eats away at the gums, meaning, again, that the implant would not receive the proper support.
The good news is, individuals who live with any stage of gum disease can almost always qualify for dental implants after undergoing certain treatments and procedures. Patients who live with mild to moderate cases of gum disease may simply have to bring the disease under control. Doing so can entail frequent dental cleanings and a strict oral hygiene routine. A dentist may also recommend that the patient avoid certain habits or substances that may interfere with the healing process, such as smoking, chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol.
Once the disease has cleared up, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral surgeon to determine if the mouth is ready for implants. If the patient’s case of gum disease was very advanced, the oral surgeon may determine that bone or gum grafting is necessary before the implementation of dental implants.
Bone grafting involves building the bone structure back up via the use of donor bone or bone from another area of the patient’s body, such as the hip, jaw or tibia. Gum grafting involves correcting gum recession via the use of healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Gainesville, GA.
Not everyone may be a candidate for dental implants right away. However, with the proper dental care and possibly after undergoing certain procedures, almost anyone can benefit from implants. If you live with gum disease, talk to a dentist about your tooth replacement options.
Request an appointment or call GDC Smiles at 770-504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
In general dentistry, dental implants replace missing teeth roots. They can be fitted with crowns, dentures, or bridges to replace missing teeth. Implants typically come in the form of a titanium screw or rod placed inside the patient’s jawbone. They fuse with bone tissues around them, becoming one with the patient’s jaw.Implants are the only…
Full mouth dental implants are an option that many patients choose when they need to replace their missing teeth. Our smile is the first impression we have when meeting a new person. We all want that impression to be warm and welcoming. When our smile is somewhat imperfect, we tend to lack confidence and feel…
The introduction of dental implants has provided a solution to tooth replacement that goes beyond mere function to address the core of personal well-being. Loss of teeth has an impact on a lot more than just dental health — it impacts chewing, talking ability, and confidence. This is where dental implants come into play as…
Family dentists are uniquely qualified to offer various dental services to patients of all ages. Children, teens, and adults can visit the dentist for teeth cleanings, checkups, cavity fillings, and other restorative dental procedures. This article will examine the qualifications of family dentists to help you find the right one for your family’s oral health.Becoming…
A family dentist is an ideal dentist for your child’s first dental checkup. This first visit can feel strange for a child, so seeing this type of dentist can remove the anxiety. Knowing when the first dental visit should happen is important. Here are the details about when to take your child to your family…