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 San Francisco, CA.
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 Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
One of the leading tooth replacement choices dentists and patients are opting for is dental implants. When it comes to tooth replacement, evaluating the different options can sometimes seem overwhelming. However, with dental technology becoming more advanced and available for people with one or more missing teeth, there is an option for almost everyone. This…
Dental implants have always been the most stable restorations you could ever have. They are a level higher than traditional dentures or fixed bridges. Each implant mimics the basic structures of a natural tooth. It is stable on its own. Imagine what it would be like to have them replace your dental arches. If you…
For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal…
General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for oral health care. According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, biannual appointments are necessary to protect the integrity of your oral health, regardless of age. During these appointments, the general dentist and their team perform check-ups and recommend preventative…
A dentist may install a crown or cap to restore a tooth's function and shape. Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics or CEREC® is an increasingly popular crown option among dentists and patients.Most dental crowns consist of metal, resin, ceramic, porcelain, or porcelain with metal. The placement of a traditional crown requires two visits to…