If you are considering dental implants but have problems with your gums, you might have questions about whether implant dentistry is right for you. With appropriate pre-treatment, however, even those with receding gums can successfully receive implants to replace their missing teeth.
Implants and Gum Disease
Receding gums is usually caused by gum disease. The presence of gum disease is usually an indication that dental implants are not a good idea, but the good news is that you can proceed with a dental implant procedure after your gum disease is successfully treated. Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, can be treated by your periodontist so that your gums are healthy and free of infection before your implant procedure.
If your gums have receded so that your tooth roots are exposed, gum grafts might be necessary to ensure the implants will heal properly. This procedure can also be performed before your implant procedure. After a healing interval to ensure your gums are healthy and strong, your implant dentist can go ahead with your tooth replacement.
What to Know About Implants
A dental implant is placed directly in the jawbone, so it’s important that the gums and jaw be healthy before the procedure. Implant dentistry has come a long way in the last few years, so you’ll have several options depending upon your individual situation. Be sure to consult with an implant dentist to be sure you understand how the procedure works and what you must do to be sure you’ll have a successful recovery. In some cases, you might need to see a periodontist to have receding gums treated, and/or need to have bone grafts placed on your jawbone to provide sufficient support for your implants. Be sure to ask your implant dentist about all these options during your consultation.
If you are looking into dental implants and have receding gums or gum disease, please contact our experienced periodontal team to schedule a consultation. Call us at 214-443-0876, we’ll outline all the options and let you know if dental implants are a good choice for you.