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 Allendale Charter Twp, MI.
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 Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Choosing to have dental implants means getting function and form in one restoration. These restorations can blend well with your neighboring teeth. The proper attachment will make others unaware of the procedure you had. If you want to know how dental implants blend well with your natural teeth, here are the details.The natural look of…
Curious about dental implants? Read on to learn more about the dental implant procedure. If you have one or more missing teeth, then dental implants may be a way for you to replace them long-term. This review discusses the steps that are involved with a dental implant procedure for a missing tooth to help you…
A missing tooth can lead to many cosmetic and health complications. Dental implants are an effective method for treating tooth loss and restoring a person's smile. They can prevent other issues from developing, including: Speech and digestive problems Damage to surrounding teeth Improper alignment Tooth and jaw painThe results are typically permanent, and implants are…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you. There are other methods of straightening teeth and repairing alignment issues, but aligners have advantages. There are benefits to using aligners that other treatments cannot provide. Your dentist can answer questions and concerns you may have. It is good to understand how…