Dental Implants are an excellent procedure to consider when you have lost a tooth or more. Having missing teeth can affect your health and quality of life, but it could also significantly affect your confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately, gum infections and diseases are common in children and adults, leading to an increased occurrence of dental implant procedures in the past few years.
There are several factors to consider before you head to the dentist and schedule that teeth implant procedure. One of the most important factors to consider is the health of your teeth and gums.
Many people often wonder if they can get dental implants even when their teeth are not in the best condition. This could mean having TMJ disorders or gum infection/disease. In this post, you will find out what gum disease is if you can get dental implants if your gums are infected, and how you can get dental implants.
What is Gum Disease or Gum Infection?
Also known as periodontitis, this common gum disease typically occurs due to the building up of bacteria-filled plaque on and around the gumline. This build-up of bacteria around the gumline leads to the destruction of the soft tissue. If left untreated, it could damage the bone that supports the teeth - the maxilla and mandible (jaw bone).
Periodontitis can lead to weakened teeth and, ultimately, tooth loss. It could also lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gingivitis is another form of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums due to poor oral hygiene.
Symptoms
- Swollen and tender gums
- Bright red or discolored gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Tooth loss
- Painful chewing
- Unusual spacing in teeth
- Receding gum line
- Bad breath
- Unusual overbite or underbite
- Unusual pink tingeing of your toothbrush bristles after brushing
Please note that gum diseases or infections do not present with any symptoms at all in some cases. This is why it's important to frequently visit the dentist to stay on top of your oral health.
Prevention and Treatment
Periodontitis is generally preventable as it usually occurs when a person has poor oral hygiene. You can prevent gum disease by maintaining proper oral hygiene - brushing at least twice every day, flossing every day, and visiting the dentist frequently.
What are Dental Implants?
There are many reasons why someone might lose a tooth, especially an adult. Dental implants are a common way to replace lost teeth, whether it's due to disease, accidents, or whatever else.
Dental implants are done by attaching a tooth root prosthesis that interfaces with the jaw's bone (mandible) or skull (maxilla). The prosthesis is an artificial replacement for tooth roots made of titanium. These artificial roots are left to fuse with the bone for a few months and provide stability for the new teeth replacements.
Can you get Dental Implants with gum infection or gum disease?
The simple answer to this question is no. You need healthy solid gums to have a dental implant - it's a pretty painful procedure. Unfortunately, you cannot get dental implants with Gum Disease or any gum infections.
If you have gum diseases, your gums are weakened with damaged soft tissues and bones. The gum needs to surround the implant and restoration tooth.
What Can You Do About It?
If you desperately need to get dental implants but are currently struggling with a gum infection, speaking with a dentist is undoubtedly a great idea. The dentist may suggest undergoing bone and soft tissue graft procedures if you are fit for it. These are pretty common and have a high success rate. Following these procedures, you may be cleared for dental implants after a few months of healing and recovery.
Glenview Dentists are excellently qualified to help treat your gum disease and discuss if there are ways to proceed with getting teeth implants.
