Gum Disease Doesn’t Always Rule Out Implants. Here’s What Does Matter

Losing a tooth is often tough, and it becomes even more dreadful if you have gum disease. You might wonder if you have missed your chance to restore your smile. Can implants even work if your gums are not healthy? Will gum infection stop you from replacing your lost tooth with these artificial tooth roots? 

If you have these questions in mind, you are in the right spot. In this blog, you will get to know everything about getting an implanted tooth when you have gum disease.

Can Dental Implants Work with Gum Disease?

Many people with tooth loss due to gum disease have the same question. The answer is yes, but with some conditions. It completely depends on how severe the disease is and its type. Keen to learn more? Here is what you need to know:

Gum Disease Needs to be Treated First

Controlling the gum infection is important before replacing lost teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause bone and tissue loss, which are the two things an implanted tooth relies on.

Mild to Moderate Gum Disease

If your gum issue is detected early, a trustworthy dentist recommends deep cleaning, such as root planing and scaling. Once the infection is under control, your dental practitioner will evaluate whether you are ready for the implanted tooth.

Severe Gum Disease

In more severe cases, an implant specialist will conduct additional procedures before proceeding with the implant. These include bone grafting to rebuild healthy tissue, which is essential to giving the artificial tooth root a solid support.

Implant Procedure After Gum Health is Restored

Once the gums heal completely, your dental practitioner will proceed with the treatment. Here are the steps that you can expect while getting dental implants in Keller.

• Implant Placement- The titanium post that acts as the tooth root is placed surgically into the jawbone. While you get it done at our practice, we ensure patient comfort while placing the artificial tooth root.
• Healing Period- These posts need time to fuse with the bone. This process is called osseointegration and usually takes a few months.

• Abutment and Crown- After the healing process is finished, an abutment will be connected to the implant. A crown is then placed on top, matching your natural teeth in function and appearance.

Factors That Affect Implant Success After Gum Disease

While controlling your periodontal disease is the primary aspect, other factors matter.

Bone Health

These oral appliances require adequate jawbone health. If your bone density has been compromised due to gum disease, professional treatment is needed to rebuild that structure.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gum tissue seals the implant and prevents further infection. Therefore, regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are mandatory.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene

After getting your artificial tooth root, it is important to take care of your mouth. Oral health is important! Neglecting it can lead to peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease that impacts the tissues surrounding your implants.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

Gum disease is common, and it’s treatable. The most important step is finding out where you stand, and an experienced implant dentist in Keller can give you that answer after a single visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can gum disease be reversed?

Early gingivitis often can be. Periodontitis can usually be controlled with treatment, but lost bone doesn’t always grow back on its own.

2. How long might I wait before getting an implant?

It varies. Your timeline depends on how severe the gum disease is and how well your gums respond to treatment.

3. Will an implant get gum disease?

An implant can’t get a cavity, but the tissue around it can become infected. Good hygiene and regular checkups are the best protection.

4. Are there alternatives if implants aren’t right for me?

Yes. Bridges and partial dentures may be options, and your dentist can explain the pros and cons of each.

You can still get dental implants even with gum disease, but only if the disorder is adequately treated and the foundation is strong. Moreover, with the proper care, these oral appliances offer long-lasting results.  Hence, if you suffer from gum disease and experience tooth loss, Esthetique Dental is the best practice in Keller for replacing lost teeth. Want personalized care for your dental problems? Book an appointment today for a healthy, aesthetic smile!

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.