Arizona Tribune - Can I Get Dental Implants if I Have Gum Disease?

Below, you'll learn why gum health matters for dental implants in Evans so you better understand your candidacy. We'll also show you some ways you and your dentist can prepare your gums for implants.

Why gum health matters for dental implants

Your gums and jawbone provide the foundation for your teeth, and the same goes for dental implants. If your gums weaken, your teeth can fall out, and your mouth can become infected, which can compromise the success of an implant. It's the same with an implant. Healthy gums help the implant by:

• Holding it firmly in place: Weaker gums may make it harder for the implant to fuse during osseointegration.

• Facilitating healing: Gum disease can slow healing down. Healthy gums help with integration and funneling nutrients to the area during healing.

• Keeping the jawbone strong: Poor gum health could threaten jawbone strength by loosening or causing tooth loss.

• Guarding against infection: Healthy gums keep bacteria out, reducing the risk of peri-implantitis, or infection around the implant site.

How to prepare your gums for implants

Have gum disease? That doesn't mean an implant restoration is off the table. With the right treatment and guidance from your dentist, you may still be able to restore your smile. Here's how:

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove deep-seated plaque, tartar, and bacteria causing or worsening the gum disease. This restores your gums to great health and creates an environment that can support your implants without worry. Dentists often deep clean a quarter of your mouth per visit, so you may need to schedule several appointments to get through the full cleaning. Healthy gums and the implants they can support are well worth the extra time.

Gum disease treatment

Dentists can use other specialized treatments for patients with more serious gum disease or other situations. Some treatments include:

• Laser therapy: Removes infected gum tissue with precision and helps the gums start healing.

• Antibiotics: Eliminates bacteria and inhibits further bacterial growth. Available in topic and oral forms.

• Prescription rinses: Swishing with these removes bacteria and slows future growth and reinfection.

Your dentist will recommend the best treatment based on your circumstances, but feel free to ask them any questions.

Bone/gum grafts

Graft procedures use tissue from other parts of your body or an external source to strengthen the target area. For example, dentists can do gum grafts to repair gum tissue lost to gum disease. This will bolster the gum tissue for implants and protect sensitive underlying structures. If your gum disease has weakened your jawbone, the dentist might recommend a dental bone graft. They place the graft tissue in your jawbone, encouraging the jawbone to start making more bone.

Excellent oral health habits

After your dentist does their part with deep cleanings and other procedures, it's your turn. Daily oral health habits keep your gums in great shape and stop plaque and bacteria from returning:

• Brushing: Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

• Flossing: Floss once daily to remove plaque between your teeth.

• Rinsing: Rinse once daily with antibacterial mouthwash.

• Regular dental checkups: Your dentist can clean any missed spots, catch early warning signs of issues, and offer advice for improving your at-home habits.

The better your oral health habits, the easier the implant process is, and the healthier your gums will be for years to come.

Quitting smoking

Smoking slows implant healing by restricting blood vessels, which in turn reduces the nutrients reaching your gums and, after the procedure, the implant site. If the implants are in already, the suction from smoking can loosen them or dislodge blood clots, causing a painful dry socket.

This goes for other chewing tobacco products, too. They don't cause the same suction force, but they slow healing by restricting nutrient flow through the bloodstream.

Getting dental implants with gum disease

Gum disease doesn't stop patients from getting implants. Getting treatment and taking the right prep steps can make you a good candidate. Speak with your dentist about any procedures needed to make you a candidate, then keep up the good oral health habits at home. You can also ask them any other questions about your candidacy, the procedure, or recovery. They'll work with you on a plan to restore your smile no matter your situation.

Contact Information:

Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager

SOURCE: iQuanti

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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