Dental implants are an excellent option for those looking to make an imperfect smile perfect again. If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth from gum disease, you may be considering dental implants. Dental implants create a natural-looking smile that helps you talk and eat without issue.
A titanium or zirconium post is embedded through the gumline into the jawbone to appear like a natural tooth. The replacement tooth is fit to your mouth and fused to the rod to ensure it is secured in place.
But if you’ve suffered from gum disease in the past, there could be damage to your gum line or jawbone that requires attention before having dental implants. Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to explain what gum disease is and why it needs to be addressed before getting your perfect smile.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums caused by an excess of bacteria-filled plaque building up around the gumline of your teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to additional health issues such as strokes and cardiovascular disease.
Gum disease is widespread and often exhibited in the following ways:
- Receding gum line
- Painful, swollen gums
- Tender, bleeding gums
- Pus between teeth
- Loose teeth
Additional symptoms also include bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. While these symptoms occur most of the time, it is possible to have gum disease with no warning signs. Proper oral hygiene is vital to prevent gum disease from worsening. If left untreated, you may lose teeth.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I’ve Had Gum Disease?
Before getting dental implants, you need to treat any existing case of gum disease. Periodontitis damages your gum line, causing your gums to recede. As a result, your gums are not likely stable enough to hold a dental implant in place.
If you’re hoping to get dental implants to perfect your smile but have had gum disease in the past, you must have a dentist evaluate your mouth. In certain instances, gum disease can cause your jawbone to lose bone density. When this happens, your jawbone may not be capable of providing a sturdy foundation for dental implants. A skilled dentist can evaluate your jawbone and determine if you need a bone graft before moving forward with dental implants.
Can I Experience Gum Disease After Getting Dental Implants?
After getting dental implants, you need to practice proper oral hygiene, similar to how you would take care of your natural teeth. Without adequately brushing and flossing, you will find yourself with bacteria-filled plaque covering your gum line — which can result in gum disease all over again. When untreated, you may find yourself suffering from bone loss, which will cause your dental implants to become loose and fall out or cause other oral problems.
Stick to a thorough dental hygiene routine and brush at least twice a day to minimize bacteria buildup, allowing you to maintain a healthy smile.
Call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Implants
Whether you’ve had gum disease in the past or suspect you may be suffering from gum disease, you must get evaluated by a dentist to ensure your jawbone is strong enough for dental implants. Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can perform a thorough checkup and determine if you need a bone graft or another procedure before the surgery. If you have concerns about your dental implants or require other dental services, reach out to Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s team to schedule an appointment.
