Dental implant procedures have revolutionized the world of dentistry, providing a long-term solution for missing teeth. But what about patients struggling with gum disease – can they also benefit from dental implants?
In this blog post, we will answer this question and delve deeper into the topic of dental implants and gum disease.
Don’t forget to take our Gum Disease Quiz at the end of the article to see if you have symptoms of gum disease.
Table of Contents
- What is Gum Disease?
- What Are Dental Implants?
- How Gum Disease Leads to Tooth Loss
- Dental Implants and Gum Disease
- All-on-4: An Ideal Solution for Bone Loss Due to Gum Disease
- Take Action for Your Oral Health
- Gum Disease Quiz
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gum tissue and the supporting bone that surrounds and holds your teeth in place.
It often begins as gingivitis, which is a mild and reversible form of gum disease, but can progress to more severe stages if left untreated.
The main culprit behind gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth.
Some common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from a biocompatible material such as titanium. They are surgically placed in your jawbone to provide support for a dental prosthesis like a crown, bridge, or denture.
Over time, the implant fuses with your bone through a process called osseointegration, making it a stable and durable foundation for your new teeth.
To be considered for dental implant surgery, patients typically need to have:
- Healthy gums
- Sufficient bone density in the jaw
- Good overall health
Gum disease doesn’t necessarily exclude you from getting dental implants. Thanks to advancements in dental technology and innovative solutions like All-on-4 dental implants, individuals with bone loss due to gum disease now have a viable path to fully functional and healthy smiles.
How Gum Disease Leads to Tooth Loss
Untreated gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral health and eventually lead to tooth loss.
When plaque is not removed through proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with regular home care. Tartar buildup leads to further inflammation of the gums and can cause them to pull away from the teeth.
As the gum tissue pulls away, pockets form between the gums and teeth, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Over time, this bacterial infection can destroy the supporting bone structure, causing your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
Now, let’s get back to our main question: can you get dental implants with gum disease?
Dental Implants and Gum Disease
If you have lost teeth due to gum disease, all hope is not lost.
As long as you don’t have an active infection and your remaining teeth and gums are healthy, you may still be a good candidate for dental implants.
The biggest factor in determining your eligibility for implants is the condition of your jawbone.
Severe gum disease can cause bone loss, making it difficult to place an implant and achieve successful osseointegration.
However, with advancements in dental technology, patients with moderate to severe gum disease may still be able to receive dental implants by undergoing a bone grafting procedure. This will help regenerate the lost bone and create a stable foundation for the implant.
All-on-4: An Ideal Solution for Bone Loss Due to Gum Disease
All-on-4 dental implants represent a groundbreaking solution for patients who have suffered bone loss because of gum disease. This innovative technique involves placing just four or more implants in strategic positions in the jaw.
Two implants are placed vertically in the front of the jaw where bone density tends to be higher, and two are placed in the back of the mouth at an angle. This angled placement not only makes the best use of available bone but also avoids sensitive areas, eliminating the need for bone grafting in many cases.
The All-on-4 method also allows for immediate load-bearing, meaning the patient can have a full set of temporary teeth fitted on the same day the implants are inserted. The final prosthesis is typically placed a few months later, once the implants have fully integrated with the bone.
This technique has revolutionized implant dentistry, providing a viable and cost-effective solution for patients who were previously told they were not suitable candidates for traditional implants due to insufficient bone density.
In essence, the All-on-4 dental implant procedure offers hope for patients with bone loss, giving them a second chance at a healthy, fully functional smile.
Potential Risks and Complications
Gum disease can affect the success and longevity of dental implants. Before you will be cleared for implant surgery, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate the condition of your gums and may recommend periodontal treatment to get the disease under control.
Even with successful osseointegration, dental implants can still fail if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Bacteria can accumulate around the implant area and cause infection or inflammation known as peri-implantitis, which can lead to implant failure if left untreated.
Prevention and Management of Gum Disease
For those concerned about gum disease, there are several things you can do to prevent or manage gum disease and keep your oral health in check:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth
- Use a mouthwash to reduce plaque and fight bacteria
- Quit smoking or using other tobacco products
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings and treatments such as scaling and root planing to keep the condition under control.
Take Action for Your Oral Health
While getting dental implants with gum disease may be possible in some cases, it is always best to address any underlying oral health issues before undergoing the procedure. This will not only improve the chances of success for your dental implants but also promote overall oral health and well-being.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, schedule a free dental implant consultation with our experienced team at AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.
If you live in the East Valley and are searching for ‘all-on-4 dental implants near me’,or ‘the best dental implants near me’, contact AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. To book an appointment at one of our four locations, call or text (480) 830-5866 or complete the online booking form.
Gum Disease Quiz
Take our quick Gum Disease Quiz to see if you have any symptoms of gum disease. Answer yes or no to the following questions:
- Do your gums appear red, swollen, or tender?
- Do your gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing?
- Do you have bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or using mouthwash?
- Have you noticed any changes in the appearance of your gums, such as receding or pulling away from your teeth?
- Do you have loose or shifting teeth?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be a sign that you have gum disease and should schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.
Remember, early detection and management of gum disease is key in maintaining good oral health and setting the stage for successful dental implant surgery. So don’t hesitate – take action for your oral health today!
