Can You Get Dental Implants With Gum Disease?

Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. If you've lost one or more teeth because of it, you may wonder now if you can opt for dental implants to restore your oral health. 

Find out the answer by reading this short article from Sarasota Bay Dental. 

Why Dental Implants Need Healthy Gums

Dental implants are a restorative treatment that looks, feels, and acts exactly like natural teeth. 

First, your Sarasota dentist will insert a metal post into the jawbone, which will later act as the root of the artificial tooth. The post will need about six months to heal and integrate with the surrounding tissues. This process is called osseointegration and it's vital for the success of the implant. 

A couple of factors can affect the osseointegration process. First, if you don't have enough bone mass, the implant will not be able to properly fuse with the jaw bone. If the gum disease is so advanced that it's affecting the bone, an implant is more likely to fail. 

You also need healthy gums for the implant to work. Gum disease eats away at the gums, which means that the implant will not have enough soft tissue to surround and support it. 

Dental Implants Are Not Out of the Question Yet 

The good news is that you can still get dental implants even if you have gum disease. You will just need to treat or get this condition under control first. 

If your condition is only mild or moderate, you may be able to treat it and even reverse it with frequent professional cleanings and an impeccable at-home oral care routine. You may also have to give up certain habits, such as smoking. 

If your condition advanced to periodontitis and if both the gums and the underlying bone have been affected, you may need bone or gum grafting before proceeding with the implant surgery. 

A bone graft is used to rebuild the jawbone using bone from a different part of your body or a donor. A gum graft uses soft tissue from the roof of your mouth to correct gum recession. 

How Sarasota Bay Dental Can Help 

If you're dealing with tooth loss and gum disease and aren't sure if dental implants are the right solution for you, Dr. Robert Miller can help you find out the answer. 

Dental implants are widely successful and it's usually because dentists make sure everything is in perfect order before proceeding with the treatment. Dr. Robert Miller is extremely thorough and will leave no stone unturned to ensure you get the right treatment. 

If you are ready to begin your dental restoration process, get in touch with Sarasota Bay Dental online or call us at (941) 200-3723 to book your appointment.