The success of dental implants depends upon healthy gums. Your gums support the new tooth roots and ensure your new teeth remain stationary. However, if you have minor gum disease or the beginnings of receding gums, it is possible to have dental implants if your gum disease is treated before the implants are placed.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Implants?
If you have missing teeth, you are likely to be a good candidate for dental implants. Before making your final decision, you will talk to your implant dentist about your overall health as well as your dental health to be sure your implants have a good chance of healing successfully.
Some medical and dental conditions can make it difficult for implants to heal properly. These include:
- Severe gum disease
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Smoking
- Some medications, especially those used to treat osteoporosis
- Insufficient bone mass in the jaw
Some of these issues can be treated before your implants are placed. For example, if you have gum disease, your dentist can perform deep cleaning (planing and scaling) or surgery. After your gums have healed, you can continue with your implant procedure. If you lack sufficient jawbone mass, your implant dentist might recommend a bone graft or a sinus lift.
How Does Gum Disease Prevent Implants from Healing Properly?
Gum disease can create numerous problems when it comes to proper healing after an implant procedure. The presence of gum disease indicates high levels of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria can cause severe infection to set in after your surgery. If your gum disease has caused your gums to recede, they may be unable to properly support your new implants. If an implant becomes loose due to disease or other issues, there is very little that can be done to save it. Your dentist may be able to start over with a new implant, but if the previous issues are not treated, a new implant is also likely to fail.
Contact us at the office of Drs. Kemp and Borovac today!