Untreated gum disease can many times lead to tooth loss, leading many people to wonder if getting dental implants is possible if one has gum disease.

Moreover, in some cases, patients who have not yet reached the advanced stage of the gum disease called periodontitis may need to replace missing or decayed teeth with dental implants.

If you have suffered tooth loss due to gum disease and are wondering about tooth restoration options, this article will put all your questions and apprehensions to rest.

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

One of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults is Gum or periodontal disease. However, tooth loss is not a necessary effect of gum disease.

However, addressing this issue as soon as possible is extremely vital because there are treatments that can be availed and certain habits that can be inculcated to deal with the infection & avoid tooth loss.

Tooth loss is usually caused by serious damage to the soft tissue of the gums. The absence of healthy soft tissue can allow the movement of the bacteria deeper into the mouth, eroding the bone that supports teeth.

One Must keep in mind that tooth loss is the worst and most dreaded part of periodontal disease and all measures should be utilized to avoid reaching this stage of infection.

An expert opinion of our team at Morgan Hill Dentistry on time can help you to prevent reaching this stage. Contact immediately if you notice a loose tooth or show any other signs of the disease.

What is Gum Disease?

A common infection of the gums, which is very severe, is commonly called a gum disease (Periodontitis or periodontal disease in medical language).

The main reason for this disease is the accumulation of bacteria-filled plaque around the gum line. 

Gum disease is not only a leading cause of tooth loss in adults but is also known to be one of the factors behind the increased threat of heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease.

It can also prove to be one of the reasons behind health problems like diabetes or even specific types of cancer.

The symptoms to look for in gum disease are:

• Red, swollen gums that bleed easily
• A gum line that is receding
• Presence of Pus between the teeth
• Teeth that feel loose

Sometimes the periodontal disease may not have any indications, warning signs, or symptoms.  Practicing satisfactory dental hygiene and a visit to the dentist at least twice a year is highly recommended to prevent the progress of the disease.

An early diagnosis can go a long way to help fight it swiftly, stopping any negative consequences like receding gums or still worse, tooth loss. 

Read Also: Are Dental Implants Safe?

What are Implants?

The most popular and best option for the restoration of one or more missing or decayed teeth, dental implants when inserted into the jawbone act as the root of the tooth.

A crown or bridge is put on top of the implant to provide the patient with a tooth restoration that both looks and functions like natural teeth.  

 The many benefits of the procedure include:

• Prevents Bone loss 
• Adds stability and durability to the mouth
• Allows one to eat their favorite foods 
• One can speak more easily
• Looks completely natural 

Dental implants require healthy gums to be placed and sustain themselves.

A titanium steel root that is put directly into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth, dental implants look, feel and act absolutely like natural teeth. 

They take a period of between four to six months to completely heal after being implanted. This period is crucial for the integration of the artificial root into the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. 

However, the success of the whole procedure primarily depends on this first step. If the tooth does not fuse to the jaw bone, it can just fall out, the same way natural teeth do. 

There can be a few different reasons behind the failure of Dental Implants. But when the concern is periodontal or gum disease, the reasons may include the following:

• During the Dental Implant procedure, the jawbone material needs to be wide and thick to support the titanium implant which acts as an artificial tooth root. But the advancement of the gum disease to the point where the jawbone has deteriorated makes it impossible for the root to get that support and stability.

• After the implant procedure, the root and the lower crown of the implants need to be surrounded by the gums just like natural teeth. However, gum disease can lead to repeated erosion of the gums. Hence the gums are unable to provide the proper support to the implant.

Are Implants Impossible for Patients with Gum disease?

No, this is not true. In fact, implants can be usually inserted in Patients with any stage of gum disease.

However, as healthy and strong gums are one of the most important prerequisites to qualify for a dental implant procedure and we are aware that this tissue and bone gets weakened by the gum disease, one might need to undergo specific treatments and procedures to achieve ideal jawbone integrity.

Patients with the mild to moderate stage of gum disease may merely need to bring the disease under control through periodic dental cleanings and a stringent oral hygiene routine.

Some food habits or substances like smoking, chewing tobacco, or drinking alcohol should also be avoided as they can interfere with the healing process.

Dr. Ravneet Dhillon is a Family Dentist at Morgan Hill Dentistry ensures the clearing up of gum disease with effective treatment, to provide our patients with an opportunity to experience the comfort and benefits of dental implants.

After the gum disease has healed, the oral surgeon assesses if the mouth is ready for implants. However, bone or gum grafting before the dental implant procedure becomes a necessity in patients where gum disease is very advanced.

Bone Grafting involves building the back of the bone structure with the help of a donor bone or bone from the hip, jaw, or tibia of the patient’s body.

The correction of gum recession is done using healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth through gum grafting. 

Bottomline

Uncontrolled and unmanaged gum disease can be one of the primary causes of tooth loss and may inhibit one’s chances of getting dental implants.

However, all is not lost. We at Morgan Hill Dentistry ensure that we help our patients to become ideal candidates for dental implants after adequate dental care and performing certain procedures.  

If you live with gum disease or have suffered a dental loss due to it, hope is right here!

Contact Morgan Hill Dentistry about your tooth replacement options.

Book an appointment now.