Gum disease is a common condition that affects tens of millions of Americans. Dentists typically require patients get their periodontal health in an ideal condition before the placement of the dental implants. Otherwise, the implant may fail and lead to a much more challenging teeth replacement process.
Patients must have good periodontal health and treat gum disease before dental implant treatment. Gum disease does not usually prevent patients from getting a dental implant, but patients with gum disease may require procedures such as a bone graft in the jaw before the implants can be placed.
The dental implant essentially serves as the root of a replacement tooth. It works by fusing together with the underlying jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. However, gum disease often causes a loss of bone in the jaw, which can worsen after tooth loss occurs due to atrophy. Subsequently, treating gum disease and restoring bone density is often essential before implant placement.
Patients cannot get a dental implant with a progressive form of gum disease that causes severe gum recession or bone loss in the jaw. Unfortunately, many dental implant patients have gum disease or bone loss that results after teeth loss occurs, resulting in the need for preparation procedures before the dental implant placement procedure.
The good news, however, is that the dentist can treat gum disease and restore the jawbone density before the placement of dental implants to ensure the procedure goes well and the implant is able to osseointegrate (fuse together) with the jawbone to create a secure hold of the dental implant long-term.
A bone graft procedure involves taking bone from other parts of the mouth or body (or using a healthy substitute synthetic material) and grafting it in the area where bone loss occurs. This ensures the patient has enough healthy jawbone to support the dental implant. It can take several months for the procedure to take effect. After the mouth has healed, the patient can schedule their implant placement procedure and proceed with the process in a normal manner.
Although gum disease treatment is a part of the dental implant process, it is still essential to protect the gums after the implant process is complete. Otherwise, the patient may experience early complications with the implant. Patients can protect their gum health and reduce the risk of gum disease by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly between check-up visits with the dentist.
If you are considering dental implants for teeth replacement but have gum disease, then reach out to our dental office today. We help patients restore their periodontal health to where it needs to be before beginning the dental implant process.
Are you considering gum disease treatment in the Greenacres area? Get more information at https://lakeworth-dentistry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Greenacres, FL.
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