CAN YOU GET DENTAL IMPLANTS IF YOU HAVE GUM DISEASE?

Per the National Institute of Health (NIH), dental implants have between a 90 and 95 percent success rate. However, to prevent complications, the person receiving the implant should be in good health. At certain stages, gum disease could make you an unsuitable candidate for dental implants. 

THE STAGES OF GUM DISEASE AND HOW THEY AFFECT IMPLANTS

Dental implants require certain conditions to be successful. Even relatively healthy mouths are at risk of implant failures. While some stages of gum disease can be reversed, if enough damage is done, then you may be more likely to experience an implant failure. 

GINGIVITIS

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria that causes Gingivitis. If this bacteria is allowed to collect, it inflames the gums and causes bleeding and sensitivity. At this stage, the bones are usually still healthy enough for implants. 

EARLY PERIODONTITIS

The more inflamed the gums become, the more they recede, leading to what are called “periodontal pockets.” These pockets make your gums vulnerable to infection. Both the bacteria and the body’s response to infection begin to damage the bone. Some bone loss is present at this stage. The more severe the bone loss and the further the gums recede, the more likely an implant is to fail.

MODERATE PERIODONTITIS

At this stage, the symptoms become more severe and may cause pain or discomfort. Bone loss progresses, gum recession continues, and the teeth may loosen. The more these symptoms develop, the greater the likelihood of an implant failure. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and its possible effects on your restorative dentistry options.

ADVANCED PERIODONTIST

Painful abscesses form as infection spreads. Usually, a person at this stage has experienced more than 50 percent bone loss. A person with such significant gum recession and loss of bone density is unlikely to be a good candidate for dental implants. 

CAN GUM DISEASE TREATMENT MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR IMPLANTS?

While gum disease can be reversed to some extent, many of the effects of gum disease cannot. For example, gum recession is permanent. Bone loss is permanent. Yet, even at advanced stages, your gum disease can be reversed and your oral health restored.

WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES TO DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If it turns out that you aren’t a good candidate for dental implants, you aren’t out of options. After treating the infection, you can explore partial or complete dentures to restore your smile.

DENTURES ARE ADAPTABLE FOR ALL LEVELS OF TOOTH LOSS

Whether temporary, partial, or complete, dentures are a great option for people who have extensive tooth and bone density loss. Temporary dentures aren’t affixed to the bone as permanent implants are, so they don’t require a stable jaw bone to anchor into. 

Dentures can fill large or small spaces, but if they are partial, they must have anchor teeth on each side to help them stay in place. Complete dentures are suctioned into place along the gums, so the healthier the gums, the greater the stability of the dentures.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR FEDERAL WAY GUM DISEASE TREATMENT

Restoring your smile starts with restoring your gum health. Our general dentist can assess the extent of your gum disease, reverse infections and painful symptoms, and assess your candidacy for restorative dentistry. Call 253-785-7323 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment.