Can You Get Dental Implants if You Have Gum Disease?

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth, as no other tooth replacement option provides a longer-lasting, more natural-looking result. Unfortunately, many people worry that they can never have dental implants because they have gum disease. If you worry that gum disease will prevent you from having the smile of your dreams, your Carolina Implant professionals at Williams And Daily Dental have important information you should know.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold attractive, natural-looking crowns. Once surgically implanted into the jaw, the screw-shaped titanium posts fuse with the bone to create a sturdy base for replacement teeth.

While dental implants look great, they also help preserve the bone that holds the rest of your teeth in place. The actions of biting and chewing stimulate the natural remodeling of your jawbone near the roots of your teeth. When you lose a tooth, you also lose that stimulation of the bone; lack of stimulation causes the bone that once supported that tooth to deteriorate. As bone loss progresses, gum tissue detaches from teeth and forms little pockets where bacteria hide and grow. Left unchecked, bone deterioration spreads and increases the risk that other teeth will fall out. In fact, bone loss is one of the major hidden consequences of losing teeth.

Other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges, do not stimulate the bone. Dental implants do. Dental implants also make it possible for the rest of your teeth to last a lifetime – but to do so, you will need to avoid gum disease.

You Need Healthy Gums and Bone for Dental Implants

Healthy gums and bone are essential for dental implants, as your gums and bone help keep the implant in place. To fuse to the titanium implant properly, the bone must be thick and wide enough to support the metal post – inadequate bone prevents proper fusion and creates a weak base. Advanced gum disease, known as periodontal disease, can lead to gum recession and bone deterioration. Because they increase the risk of tooth loss, it is important to address periodontal disease and bone loss before you undergo implant surgery.

Controlling periodontal disease can reduce bone loss. Treatment for periodontal disease includes improved oral hygiene, professional cleaning, scaling and root planing procedures, and periodontal surgery. If you have lost considerable periodontal tissue, your periodontal professional can perform soft tissue grafts to replace the lost tissue. Each of these treatments can help prepare your gums and bone for the dental implant procedure, and improve the results of your dental implants.

Knowing the signs of gum disease can help you recognize periodontitis early, when gum disease is easiest to treat. Signs of gum disease include:

• Bad breath that does not go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Gums that feel tender or bleed, especially when you brush and floss
• Painful chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gum line
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss

Of course, every patient has unique needs and expectations of their dental implants – some patients are ready for their dental implants right away, while others may need to gain control over gum disease before they can undergo the dental implant procedure. No matter which type of patient you are, Williams and Daily Dental is always here to help. Our dental professionals have extensive experience in placing dental implants, and can help you get the most out of your permanent tooth replacement. Schedule your appointment with Williams and Daily Dental today by calling (919) 846–9070.

Williams & Daily Dental is a family and cosmetic dentist located in North Raleigh, NC with a team of dedicated dentists enthusiastic in their commitment to their patients. We offer dental implants, Invisalign teeth straightening, in-office and home teeth whitening options, and Oral-B electric toothbrushes. Contact Williams & Daily at (919) 846-9070 for more information and to schedule an appointment today.