Gum disease can damage the tissues and bones that support the teeth, making implant placement more challenging. However, with proper management and techniques, implants can still be a viable option for those with gum disease. This guide explores the benefits, risks, and latest research on implants with gum disease, as well as the solutions to solve the problem and create a healthier and more beautiful smile.
How Gum Disease Affects the Dental Implants Process
The health of gums has a direct impact on dental procedures, especially dental implants. Since the implant replaces the natural tooth, it is placed inside the bone and covered by gum tissue. Therefore, you need strong and healthy gum to support the implant and keep it in place. Any infection in the gum tissue interferes with the implant healing process and may lead to implant failure.
Here are some reasons why gum disease can affect dental implants:
- If you have gum disease, your gums may be inflamed, receding, or infected, which can compromise the stability and success of the implant.
- Gum disease can lead to bone loss in your jaw. An adequate amount of bone is necessary to anchor dental implants securely. If you have gum disease, the bacteria can destroy the bone that supports your teeth and implants. This can lead to implant failure, as the implant can become loose or fall out. In this case, the patient may need bone grafting before dental implants.
- Gum disease can develop around dental implants. Even with dental implants, you must maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Otherwise, you can develop peri-implant diseases, which are similar to gum disease but affect the tissues around the implant. Peri-implant diseases can cause inflammation, bleeding, pus, and bone loss around the implant. They may require surgical treatment or implant removal.
Therefore, the answer is completely clear: it is not possible to have dental implants with gum disease. In case of diagnosing any infection in the gum tissue, the dentist will recommend treating it and then opt for dental implants.
Well, let’s check out some of the common gum disease and their signs and risks.
Common Gum Diseases
Gum disease is a serious infection that damages the gums and can cause tooth loss and other health problems. It can also affect the dental implant process, which is a procedure to replace missing teeth with artificial ones. Here are some of the most common stages of gum disease that can affect dental implants or any other dental procedures:
Gingivitis
The mild form of gum disease is called Gingivitis, which usually happens when a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, builds up on your teeth and hardens into tartar. If you don’t remove plaque and tartar regularly, they can infect and damage your gums and teeth. However, there are other reasons why Gingivitis is formed, such as hormonal changes, certain diseases, medications, or poor oral hygiene.
Some of the symptoms of gingivitis are:
- Gum irritation
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bad breath
- Receding gum
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that can lead to damage to the tissues and bones that support your teeth if left untreated. That’s why visiting your dentist is essential as soon as you discover the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Sensitive or loose tooth
- Pockets between gum and teeth
- Receding gum
Advanced Periodontitis
The most severe cases of gum disease lead to advanced periodontitis, which is formed if you don’t treat the gum disease at its first stages. In addition, advanced periodontitis not only may lead to tooth loss but may also damage the bone.
How to Prevent Gum Disease Before Dental Implants?
As you can see, since it is not possible to have dental implants with gum disease, it is important to prevent and treat gum disease before getting dental implants. Some of the steps you can take are:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash or salt water to rinse your mouth.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
- Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of gum disease and implant failure.
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
If you have signs of gum disease, such as red, swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, a procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. You may also need antibiotics, antiseptics, or surgery to treat the infection and restore the health of your gums.
Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?
So far, we have mentioned that gum disease can affect dental implants, but can implants cause gum disease? The quick answer to this question is ‘yes’; the risk of developing gum disease doesn’t go away after dental implant treatment.
Although dental implants are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures that most dentists perform, it is still essential to find an experienced dentist in this field to avoid complications after the procedure. However, the dental implant aftercare is also crucial for preventing gum disease development.
Therefore, maintain your oral health after this procedure to prevent the most common problem after dental implants.
Do Gums Grow Back After Implants?
The healing process after dental implants may vary case by case. But you should know that gums do grow after the procedure, but it may take several weeks. However, if any periodontal disease has affected the gum lining, making it shorter than normal, gum grafting may be required before dental implants to help the gum support the artificial tooth properly.
How to Get an Implant If Your Gums Have Sunken in?
As mentioned, a dental implant requires healthy and strong gums to support the implant. During the healing process, gums gradually grow around the implants, similar to how they do for natural teeth, which is not possible with gum recession.
Therefore, this periodontal condition should be treated before dental implants. The dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, antibiotics, or gum surgery to treat gum recession.
Bottom Line
Gum disease is a serious condition affecting oral and overall health. It can also interfere with the dental implant process, which is a way to restore your smile and function. Since dental implants with gum disease may have complications, such as implant failure, it is essential to take good care of your gums and teeth to prevent gum disease and enjoy the benefits of dental implants.
Note: Always consult your dentist about gum disease treatments before taking any pills.