Gum disease can cause pain and discomfort. It can also affect your day-to-day life. Without treatment, the issue can worsen and result in more psychological and physical health problems.
If you have gum disease, you may wonder if dental implants are ideal for you. In this post, we look at gum disease, dental implants, and whether you can get an implant if you have gum disease.
Dental implants are small posts surgically placed into the jawbone underneath your gums. They act as a replacement for the natural roots of your teeth and provide a strong and stable foundation for artificial teeth.
Gum disease, periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is a condition where the gums and bone around the teeth are infected. The disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar which is only removable by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Tartar irritates and inflames the gums, causing gingivitis (gum inflammation). Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene habits. However, if it's not treated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis or gum disease. Periodontitis destroys the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
The main symptom of gum disease is bleeding when brushing or flossing. Other symptoms include:
It is crucial to note that you can still have gum disease without apparent signs and symptoms. Therefore, practicing the proper oral hygiene habit and ensuring you schedule a dental cleaning and oral examination at least twice per year is essential. The sooner your dentist spots the disease, the higher your chances of fighting it.
No. Dental implants require strong and healthy gums. As stated earlier, gum disease weakens the jaw bone and tissues. If Dr. Alexandra Porcu notices that your bone and tissue cannot support the implant, she may recommend a soft tissue or bone graft. Once you have recovered from the grafting procedure, you will be a good candidate for dental implant surgery. Thanks to these procedures, almost everyone can get a dental implant.
Dr. Alexandra Porcu and the team at Harrison Family Dentists are committed to providing quality dental care in Saratoga Springs and Gloversville, NY. Our preventive approach allows you to avoid periodontal disease from the onset. However, if you already have gum disease, we will offer the treatment needed to restore your smile. Have queries about our dental treatment procedures or want to book an appointment? Contact us today.
