Can I get an implant if I have gum disease?

02 Nov Can I get an implant if I have gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is characterized by several symptoms including some pains when chewing, sensitive teeth, bleeding and receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and swelling or redness of the gums. When left untreated, this condition may result to tooth loss, as well as some health concerns due to complications and infections.

Individuals who are at higher risk of suffering from gum disease include those who experience hormonal changes, individuals who smoke, diabetics, and people who have cancer and AIDS. There are also instances when some medications, specifically over-the-counter drugs, may lead to changes in the production of saliva. With less saliva flowing in the mouth, this can make your oral cavities susceptible to infections. Hence, gum disease may result from this, and there are also some prescription drugs that alter the growth of your gum tissue and cause difficulty in cleaning the gums.

Dental Implants Facts

Ever since the 1960s, dental implants have been one of the most preferred means of tooth replacement, although it was only in recent times that this technique has gained popularity. Generally, dental implantation is used in replacing single or several missing teeth. This process involves the use of titanium, which is a type of metal that works well with body tissues. Thus, the material can bond naturally with the adjacent bone to promote quick healing.

While it may initially seem to be an expensive option to replace a tooth, dental implantation is relatively safe and permanent. This means, with proper maintenance and care, you can be sure that your replacement teeth will last for a long time. Most importantly, implants look and feel like your natural teeth, so you will be more confident about flashing your pearly whites.

Dental implants work just like your natural teeth, which means you will not encounter any problems with cleaning your teeth, chewing or eating. There is also no need for adjacent teeth to be ground down or reshapen, unlike what is done when you get dental bridges. This spares natural teeth from potential damage over time.

Dental Implants and Gum Disease

People who have missing teeth can have these replaced with implants. In fact, as long as you are over 18 years of age, and you have excellent oral health, there should nothing to stop you from getting implants to improve your chewing, eating, or to regain your confidence. The most important thing is you have a fully developed bone tissue to make sure it is strong enough to hold the implants.

Dentists also recommend patients to have no existing gum disease or untreated cases of tooth decay. In case there is active periodontitis and implants are placed in affected areas, infections are likely to occur. Eventually, this will lead to tooth loss and failure of the implants. With this in mind, it is important that any gum diseases are treated first, and you should undergo regular followups with the dentist before dental implantation is done. These all support success in dental implantation while preventing any infections that can compromise your oral health.