Gum Disease & Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

Gum disease can seriously affect the health and function of dental implants. It weakens the supporting parts of your teeth, like the gums and jawbone, which are essential for keeping implants stable and lasting a long time. Due to this, it is really important to treat any gum disease before getting a dental implant.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help reduce the risk of problems. It can also improve the success of your dental implant treatment.

Here we will explore how gum disease affects dental implants and provide tips on how to manage gum disease for the best results.

A Guide to Implants  

The first step in getting a dental implant is placing a titanium screw into your jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. This screw comes through the gum, and a temporary tooth is attached to it. This allows your bone to grow around the screw. Usually, after about six to twelve weeks, you will return to have a small metal post, called an abutment, attached to the screw. After that, a permanent porcelain crown will be placed on the abutment to replace the temporary tooth.

Before getting dental implants, it is important to understand what causes gum disease, how it can be treated, and what could happen if you develop gum disease after getting your implants.

Gum Disease Explained  

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the gums and the bones around your teeth. It starts when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, builds up on your teeth. If you don't remove this plaque by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which is much harder to get rid of and may need a dentist or dental hygienist to clean it off.

If tartar is not removed, it can cause your gums to become inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. Inflamed gums may look red, feel swollen, and bleed easily.

If gingivitis is not treated quickly, it can progress to periodontitis. This is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that fill with bacteria, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Common Causes of Gum Disease

If you have had gum disease before, you are more likely to get it again. So, it is really important to maintain good oral hygiene and go for regular dental check-ups.

While taking care of your teeth is a big part of preventing gum disease, there are other risk factors to keep in mind, such as:

• Smoking
• Obesity and a poor diet
• Using recreational drugs
• Pregnancy
• Crooked or missing teeth
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Cancer treatment
• A weakened immune system due to illness

Being aware of these factors can help you take steps to protect your gum health.

Why Dental Implants Are Required?

Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a great choice for people who are missing one or more teeth. They offer a permanent replacement solution, unlike removable dentures that can be taken out.

Tooth Loss from Gum Disease

If you have lost teeth due to severe gum disease, dental implants may be a good treatment option. However, it is important to treat the gum disease first to ensure a healthy foundation for the implants.

Improved Appearance and Speech

Dental implants help restore proper speech and chewing ability, and they also improve the look of your smile. They blend in well with your natural teeth, giving you a more attractive and confident smile.

Longevity and Success Rate

Dental implants have a high success rate and can last for many years with the right care. They are a dependable choice for replacing missing teeth compared to other options.

Signs that Show You Have Gum Disease

Healthy gums are usually smooth, and light pink, and don't bleed when you brush or floss. However, if you have moderate to severe gum disease, you might notice some of these signs:

• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Decay on the root surfaces of teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Periodontal pockets around teeth and implants
• Bone loss visible on dental X-rays

Your gum health is also closely linked to your overall health. While issues like damaged teeth or bad breath may seem serious, gum disease can also weaken your immune system. People with gum disease are often at a higher risk for conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, reproductive health issues, and pneumonia.

It is also worth noting that smokers might not show the same signs of gum disease as non-smokers. For instance, a smoker developing gum disease may not have swollen gums or experience bleeding. They might not realize there is a problem until they start losing teeth and need dental implants.

Effect of Gum Disease on Dental Implants

When it comes to dental implants, gum disease can greatly affect how long they last and how successful they are.

Bone Loss and Implant Stability

Gum disease can cause bone loss in the jaw, which is important for keeping dental implants stable. Healthy bone density is needed for the implant to properly attach to the jawbone. However, advanced gum disease can weaken the bone, making it harder for the implant to stay in place. In severe cases, you might need a bone graft to restore bone health before getting an implant.

Inflammation and Tissue Damage

Gum disease causes inflammation in the gums, and if it isn’t treated, it can create deep pockets between your teeth and gums. This inflammation can harm the surrounding gum and bone tissue, which is essential for supporting dental implants. In severe gum disease, the bone and soft tissues might not be strong enough to hold the implant, increasing the chance that it could fail.