Exploring the Relationship Between Gum Disease and Dental Implants

Gum disease (often referred to as periodontal disease) continues to be a significant public health issue. Just under half(47.2%) of adults aged 30 or over have some form of gum disease, and that figure increases to 70% of adults aged 65 years or over.

If you’re considering dental implants as a solution to tooth loss, then learning more about the connection between gum disease and dental implants is essential. You see, the health of your gums is one of the most significant factors in the potential success of a procedure such as all-on-four dental implants.

So, before you embark on that incredible journey to restoring your smile, let’s walk you through what you need to know about gum disease and how it can impact dental implants.

Understanding Gum Disease: Causes and Consequences

When you think of the perfect smile, your first thought is often the teeth. But perhaps the most crucial element of good oral health is your gums. Without healthy gums, it’s almost impossible to have a healthy smile.

In that regard, periodontitis (to give gum disease its proper name) is a condition that can often silently and subtly damage your oral health. Caused by plaque buildup in and around the gum line, the bacteria within it can lead to inflamed or infected gums.

While one of the issues with gum disease is that, in some cases, it presents very few symptoms, signs you might be struggling with it include but are not limited to:

●      Gums that bleed when you brush or floss

●      Red, swollen, or tender gums

●      Receding gums, making teeth look longer

●      Persistent bad breath

●      Teeth feeling a bit wobbly

And while some of these symptoms may be subtle at first, if left unchecked, they can lead to all kinds of problems, including tooth loss.

Dental Implants: A Popular Solution for Tooth Loss

If you’re faced with the reality of tooth loss or recommended an extraction as a result of gum disease, then dental implants might be the best solution for you and your smile. At EPIC Dental, we specialize in various dental implant procedures, including the innovative all-on-four method, which can deliver a whole arch of teeth with as little as four implants.

If you’re curious how they work, titanium posts are inserted in your jawbone to serve as new roots. These are then fixed with abutments that affix zirconia (or other similar material) teeth to the titanium post.

In the case of all-on-four dental implants, the posts are inserted at an angle to reduce the number required to affix multiple replacement teeth at once. Oncein place, these implants restore functionality, allowing you to confidently eat, speak, and smile.

The Challenge of Navigating Gum Disease and Dental Implantation

Regarding gum disease and dental implants, there’s something of a catch-22: dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss (often caused by gum disease), but the presence of gum disease itself makes implantation challenging.

Healthy, strong gums (and bones) are needed to provide a solid foundation for dental implants. But gum disease weakens both, leaving many patients unable to get the implants they desire.  

However, the great news is that pioneering approaches such as all-on-four dental implants allow those previously thought ineligible for conventional dental implants (due to partially damaged gums and bones) to get the smile of their dreams. Often, there’s no need for bone grafting, opening up this treatment approach to those who’ve been disappointed in the past.

But you need to understand that gum disease risks remain after successful implantation. Post-implantation, continued poor oral hygiene can allow gum disease to progress once more, leading to a condition known as peri-implantitis. In this condition, bacteria attack the gum tissue surrounding the implant, potentially leading to implant failure.

Maintaining Your Smile: Oral Hygiene and Dental Implant Care

It’s crucial, both before and after receiving dental implants, to maintain a steadfast commitment to good oral hygiene to keep threats, including gum disease, at bay.

Good oral hygiene is developed by taking numerous preventative steps, including but not limited to:

●     Carry Out a Consistent Oral Care Routine:Engage in thorough brushing twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent bacterial buildup.

●     Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule visits to your dentist every six months for professional cleaning and to monitor your oral health.

●     Improve Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy gums and teeth.

●     Avoid Bad Lifestyle Habits: Reducing or eliminating habits like smoking and vaping can significantly lower the risk of gum disease-related complications with implants.

Adopting these practices protects your implants and contributes to your overall dental wellness, helping you keep that restored smile in pristine condition.

Gum Disease and Dental Implants: One Doesn’t Rule the Other Out

While there’s no doubt that gum disease can complicate eligibility for dental implants, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from regaining a full and healthy smile. Whether you’re getting back on top of your gum disease or you’ve lost teeth for other reasons, at EPIC Dental, our team is dedicated to exploring all possibilities.

By booking a free, no-obligation consultation, we can take a 3D scan of your mouth, guide you through the options, and tailor a solution that enhances your smile and boosts your overall dental health.

So, rather than sitting there wondering if there’s a way to regain your smile and confidence, let's sit down together and discover what's possible. Call us today at our Phoenix office to schedule a consultation at 480-235-4752 or complete our online form.