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Can I have dental implants if I have gum disease?

If you’ve got gum disease, you already know that it begins with an infection in your gums and requires immediate treatment to keep it from progressing. You’ve probably taken measures to reduce the inflammation and bleeding because it can be quite uncomfortable.

Periodontal (gum) disease affects most people at some time in their lives. But it’s crucial to get it under control before it spirals into a more dangerous advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Perhaps, it’s your gum disease that has led you to consider dental implants.

Regardless of the current stage of your gum disease, you need healthy gums and bone if you wish to get dental implants. If you’ve had gum disease in the past, but your gums have recovered and are now in good shape, you’re an excellent candidate for dental implants.

On the other hand, if you’ve had gum disease, and your gum or jawbone tissue is still weakened, we may need to graft in more soft tissue or bone before proceeding with implant surgery. That doesn’t mean you can’t get implants. It just means you need preliminary soft tissue and/or bone grafts first.

How are healthy bone and gum tissue important for dental implants?

If you’ve chosen dental implants as your teeth replacement method, you know they are as close as you can get to a brand-new tooth. You’ve undoubtedly heard about the amazing stability that occurs when the titanium screw fuses with your jaw, permanently and securely. The screw acts as the artificial roots of your new tooth, and for proper integration to take place, the jawbone must have adequate mass to support the implant.

Likewise, the gum tissue surrounding the new implant and tooth must be healthy to provide it with sufficient support and prevent the disease from getting to the supporting jawbone.

How do I know if I need a bone or gum graft?

When you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to weaken and break down. Your body naturally resorbs bone matter when teeth aren’t present to stimulate the jawbone by chewing. So, if you’ve been missing a tooth for more than a month, you’ll probably need a bone graft in which we build up your bone structure so that it’s able to support an implant.

We graft in gum tissue when it’s needed to cover and protect the roots of a tooth and to prevent recession along the gumline and further bone loss.

Understanding the Difference Between Gum Disease and Peri-implantitis

As life-changing as dental implants tend to be, there are still some minor risks to consider, most importantly, peri-implantitis. It’s essential that you fully recover from gum disease before getting dental implants, but it’s possible to develop a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis once you’ve gotten your new implant teeth. This happens when bacteria build up around the gums and implants.

How can I prevent peri-implantitis?

The key to avoiding peri-implantitis is by developing good dental hygiene habits:

  • Gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily.
  • Visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice yearly.
  • Ask us about a gum disease preventative treatment.
  • Eat healthily and avoid smoking, a huge contributor to gum disease.

 

Why have a periodontist treat my gum disease and place my implants?

Dental implants that last not only require a doctor’s specialized training and expertise, but also a patient’s healthy gum tissue. Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to gums, so we aid in getting your gums in optimal condition for implant placement and then monitor them to ensure they remain healthy and your implants thrive.

No one knows gum disease and implantology like periodontists. Choosing an expert periodontist like Dr. Veisman, dual board-certified in Canada and the United States, is choosing the most qualified, certified, and skilled specialist for the job. From in-depth knowledge and experience to cutting-edge and effective techniques, Dr. Veisman restores the look and function of your gums so that you have a safe, successful, and long-lasting implant experience.

 

Have more questions about gum disease and dental implants?

If you’re looking for high-quality treatment for gum disease and dental implant placement, you’ve come to the right place. Schedule a consultation with our award-winning gum disease and implant expert, Dr. Veisman, today.

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