Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement options, offering a durable and natural-looking solution for those with missing teeth. However, people with gum disease often wonder if their condition prevents them from being good candidates for implants.
Gum disease and bone health
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. In advanced stages, gum disease can lead to bone loss in the jaw. This compromises the stability and integrity of your surrounding teeth. Because dental implants rely on a strong and healthy jawbone for support, patients with severe bone loss due to gum disease can face challenges in receiving implants.
During the implant placement process, the gums play a crucial role in providing a stable environment for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. Additionally, gum tissue serves as a protective barrier against bacteria that could potentially lead to implant failure or complications. Therefore, it’s important for anyone considering implants to maintain good gum health through regular oral hygiene practices and professional dental care.
Dental implant consultation
Before determining your eligibility for dental implants, Dr. Mike and the Cleveland Implant Institute care team will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health. This includes an assessment of your gum condition and jawbone density. The evaluation may involve X-rays, periodontal probing and other diagnostic tests to identify any underlying issues that could affect the outcome of implant treatment. Based on the findings, your general dentist and Cleveland Implant Institute care team will develop a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
In cases where gum disease has resulted in significant bone loss, a collaborative approach involving both a periodontist and a prosthodontist may be necessary to address both the gum and bone-related aspects of treatment. By working together, your specialists can coordinate comprehensive care to optimize implant success—not to mention restoring your smile’s health, function and aesthetics.
Treatment options
If you have gum disease but are interested in dental implants, it’s important to address the underlying gum infection before proceeding with implant surgery. Your dentist or periodontist may recommend treatment options such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotic therapy or surgical interventions to remove diseased tissue and promote gum healing.
By effectively managing gum disease, you can improve the chances of successful implant placement and their long-term stability.
Find out if dental implants are right for you
While gum disease may present challenges for people considering dental implants, it does not necessarily preclude you from being a candidate. With proper treatment and management of gum disease, along with careful evaluation and planning by your Cleveland Implant Institute care team, many patients with periodontal issues can still achieve successful implant outcomes.
If you have gum disease and are interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation with your general dentist and Dr. Mike to discuss your options, and develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique oral health needs. Call today to get started.