If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant can be a great way to replace it. It provides a similar appearance and function to the natural tooth. But if you have gum disease, it’s important to address it first. Healthy gums are usually necessary for those who want to get a dental implant. Otherwise, the implant may fail. In this blog, we will explain why it is important to address gum disease if you want to get dental implants.
How Gum Disease Affects Dental Implants
Gum disease can range in severity from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. This damages the gums and jawbone, both of which are essential for securing the dental implant.
Dental implants need to fuse to the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. If you have untreated gum disease, it may increase the risk of the implant failing to properly integrate with the bone. That’s why your dentist will first make sure your gums are healthy and your bone is strong enough to support the implant.
Treating Gum Disease Before Implants
Managing and treating the gum disease is essential to ensure the implant procedure is successful. A dentist will assess your gum health and provide possible treatments such as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum or bone grafting. This may add to the treatment timeline from a few weeks to months, but it improves the chances of long-term success.
Who Is a Good Candidate After Treatment?
You may be eligible for dental implants if:
- Your gum disease is stable or fully treated.
- You have enough healthy bone.
- You maintain good oral hygiene.
Certain factors, such as smoking, chronic illnesses, poor bone health, or poor oral hygiene, can increase the risk of gum disease. Age, however, is not a barrier; bone quality matters more. Your dentist can determine whether investing in this treatment is worthwhile for you. Other restorative options, like dentures, can be recommended if implants are not suitable for you.
How to Prevent Gum Infection After Getting an Implant
If you successfully manage gum disease and get an implant, it is important to take care of it. Here’s how:
- Make sure to brush and floss daily
- Use a dentist-advised antibacterial mouthwash
- Visit your dentist for routine checkups
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use
Failing to do so may increase the risk of developing peri-implantitis. It is a type of gum infection that can damage the bone and cause the implant to fail.
Long-Term Results
Patients who treat their gum disease first often enjoy strong, natural-looking implants that can last many years or even decades with proper care. Modern techniques and careful planning make implants possible for most patients, even those who have a history of gum disease.
Final Thoughts
Gum disease does not mean you cannot get a dental implant. It just means you need to treat and control the disease before moving forward. Treating gum disease allows the implant to fuse properly, improving the chances of success.
If you want to get a dental implant but are also suspecting signs of gum disease, talk to a specialist at Smile 360 Family Dentistry of Rancho Cucamonga for personalized advice. Call us at (909) 980-4878 to book your appointment.