Can I Get Dental Implants With Gum Disease?
If you have missing teeth, you know the impact it can have on your oral and overall health, confidence, and smile! When it comes to restoring your smile and regaining that confidence, dental implants are your best option!
However, if you are suffering from gum disease, you may be wondering if dental implants are a solution for you. While having gum disease can affect your eligibility for dental implants, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. Read on to find out more!
What is Gum Disease?
Before we delve into the potential for dental implants while having gum disease, let’s first get a better understanding of gum disease.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums that can cause inflammation, bleeding and tooth loss. The buildup of plaque and bacteria around the gums can lead to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets can be infected and can cause damage to the surrounding tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, which can make your teeth look longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in your bite or how your teeth fit together
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
We advise visiting our dentist as soon as possible if you notice any of the above symptoms.
Dental Implants and Gum Disease
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in your jaw to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are a long-lasting solution to missing teeth and are designed to look and function like natural teeth. With dental implants, you can restore your ability to eat and speak properly, improve your appearance and maintain good oral hygiene.
However, dental implants require healthy gums to ensure the new restorations can securely fuse to the jawbone without any risk of loosening and falling out. So, if you’re suffering from gum disease and considering dental implants, it is important to first understand your eligibility to avoid complications and ensure success.
Am I a good candidate for Dental Implants?
If you have gum disease, you may still be a candidate for dental implants, but it depends on the severity of your condition. For dental implant procedures, you must have healthy gums and enough bone density to sustain the implant. To determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants, we recommend a consultation with our dentist, who will evaluate your oral health, including your gums and bone density. If any infection or decay is present, we will prepare a treatment plan for this before moving on to dental implants.
What stage of gum disease am I at?
There are 2 different stages (types) of gum disease; gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a common and early stage of gum disease. It is characterised by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. It can be cured, but if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease.
On the other hand, periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that can cause damage to the gum, teeth and bone that support them. It occurs when the bacterial infection of the gums spreads to the bone and surrounding tissue. This can lead to tooth loss and other oral health complications.
Left untreated, gum disease can worsen and lead to tooth loss as mentioned. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits can help prevent gum disease from developing.
At Studfield Dental Group, our team of experienced dentists will evaluate and recommend the best treatment for you depending on the severity of your case.
Why treat your gum disease before Dental Implants?
Gum disease can weaken the bone and tissue that support the implant, risking the implant falling out after placement. Therefore, before proceeding with the implant procedure, it is important to address the current stage of your gum disease first.
By treating gum disease beforehand, we can ensure that your mouth is healthy and ready for the implant procedure, increasing the longevity of your teeth and the success of the procedure. However, if you have severe bone loss, you may not be an ideal candidate for this procedure.
There are a variety of gum disease treatments available and our experienced dentist will recommend the best-suited treatment to control the infection and promote healing.
Some of these treatments are
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Gum surgery
- Deep cleanings
- Antibiotics
Once your gum disease is under control, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. You will now be able to achieve that beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. But, remember, you should develop good oral hygiene habits and be committed to maintaining them after your procedure for the best results and to prevent further issues from developing.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
- Brush your teeth and gums twice a day
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath
- Avoid tobacco products which can increase your gum disease
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Eating a healthy diet
Don’t let gum disease or missing teeth hold you back. At SDG Dental Group, we believe that everyone deserves to have a beautiful and healthier smile. Our highly skilled dental team is dedicated to providing personalised care and comfort for all your dental needs and concerns.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!