Dental implants are more successful in people with good health and oral hygiene. WebMD reveals that about 90% to 95% of dental implants last long.
However, success lies not just in post-procedure care. Patients who wish to use dental implants must consider dental implants and gum disease. Generally, gum disease can make you an unlikely candidate for dental implant surgery. Let’s find out why.
Understanding Gum Disease and Dental Implants
Before we answer the question: “Can I get dental implants with gum disease,” let us first define gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that holds the teeth. A study reported that 30.1% of adults in Australia have moderate to severe gum disease. It is very common in older adults, affecting around 69% of the population from 2017 to 2018.
Periodontal disease is also the leading cause of tooth loss. Without teeth, simple oral functions such as eating, talking, and smiling become difficult.
Can one get implants with gum disease? The answer will depend on your condition. Your dentist will assess the health of your gums first to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery.
The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Dental Implants
You need strong and healthy gums to support dental implants. The implants are threaded posts surgically attached to the jawbone. Once the posts are in place, a crown or a dental bridge will complete the restoration.
Gum disease weakens the gum tissue and bone, which may not be strong enough to support dental implants. Dental implants with gum disease may not be a good idea because even if the infection is treated, the bone may still be too weak. This can affect healing time and, eventually, the success of the procedure.
Assessing Candidacy for Dental Implants with Gum Disease
Your dentist will assess gum disease to determine whether the dental implant is successful. They will initially conduct a comprehensive dental exam to check for inflamed gums. They will use dental imaging equipment such as a periodontal probe to evaluate pocket depth and dental X-rays to check for tooth mobility and bone loss.
They may also take bacterial samples to determine the severity of the infection. This can help them identify the right course of treatment for the gum infection.
Treating Gum Disease Before Getting Dental Implants
Your dentist will recommend the right strategy for treating gum disease before dental implants. The right treatment will help your gums heal and improve the jawbone’s health to prepare them for the stress of dental surgery. There are several treatments for gum disease:
- Antibiotics—Antibiotics are part of every gum disease treatment. You can take antibiotics orally or apply them in gel form to the affected gums.
- Scaling and root planing: Your dentist will also scale teeth, cleaning them below the gum line and smoothing the roots to remove infected tissue.
- Periodontal surgery: If the infection is severe, your dentist may surgically remove diseased tissue and regrow gum and bone tissue to accommodate the implants.
- Maintenance: You must have regular checks and cleanings and observe good oral hygiene to control infection and prepare for dental implant surgery successfully.
A trusted dental clinic like Aesthetic Dental Clinic in Camden is key to treating gum disease before dental implants. We can help you prepare for dental implants with the latest gum disease treatments and techniques.
The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance Post-Treatment
Maintenance of dental implants after periodontitis ensures the success of the implant procedure. After dental implant surgery, you must:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and gargle with a non-alcohol-based, antibacterial mouthwash. Floss around the implant site after eating to remove all food debris and dirt.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Part of periodontal maintenance is visiting your dentist for cleanings and checks. Your dentist monitors tissue healing and recommends medications as necessary to prevent infections.
Practise a Healthy Lifestyle
Avoid smoking, as this can impair tissue healing. Avoid alcohol and sugary foods and drinks. These promote the growth of bacteria that lead to gum disease.
Bone Grafting and Other Preparatory Procedures
A bone graft may be the solution to improve the volume and density of the jawbone, especially when it’s severely damaged due to gum disease. It is made from a natural or artificial bone grafting material and is placed over the area where bone loss or thinning occurs. Think of installing a scaffolding where bone tissue can eventually grow. Bone grafts help create a strong foundation for dental implants.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic can help with bone grafting and other preparatory procedures to create a stable implant foundation. We use only the most updated techniques to prepare your gums, especially after treatment of gum disease.
The Dental Implant Procedure for Patients with a History of Gum Disease
Dental implant surgery for patients with gum disease history is performed in stages to allow adequate healing time between procedures. Once the gum infection is controlled, your dentist proceeds with the following:
1. Preparing the Jawbone
Your dentist may use a bone graft to rebuild your jawbone. A graft may be made of natural bone, harvested from another part of your body or made from artificial material. For a severely damaged jawbone, the graft may need to grow for several months before the implant surgery. In minor cases, the graft may be installed before the actual surgery.
2. Installing the Implant
The dentist cuts your gums to reach the bone and drills a hole to install the posts. You may initially need to wear dentures to cover the gaps.
4. Waiting for Bone Growth and Healing
Eventually, the bone will grow over the graft, and the posts and your gums will heal. This stage could take several months to ensure your implants are strong and durable.
5. Placing the Abutment and Installing the Artificial Tooth
The abutment is a connector where the crown will attach. Your dentist will open your gums to reach the implant post and attach the abutment. After a few weeks, the dental crowns are attached. You can select from removable, fixed or combination teeth.
Aesthetic Dental Clinic takes a tailored approach to dental implant surgery for patients with a history of gum disease. This ensures the best results and higher success of dental implants. We can also help you with implant-supported dentures and other dentures that work well with dental implants.
Taking the Next Steps Towards a Healthy Smile
Most dental implants are successful despite gum disease. However, this is only possible through rigorous gum disease treatment before surgery. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, remember to:
- Practise good oral health by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Visit your dentist for expert and professional advice on dental implants and gum disease.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle to increase your chances of success. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol and eat healthy.
Call Aesthetic Dental Clinic in Camden at (02) 4655 4438 to explore your dental implant options. We offer a special discount or free initial consultation! You’re a few steps closer to restoring your healthy smile!
