Gum Disease and Dental Implants

Gum disease is a common condition among adults. Also known as periodontal disease, it occurs when bacterial attacks damage the gum and bone tissue that support teeth. Gum disease, along with its effects, often need to be treated before the placement of dental implants during the teeth replacement process.

How gum disease can affect the dental implants process

Much like natural teeth, dental implants are supported by the gums and jawbone. Subsequently, the patient must have good periodontal health before they begin the dental implants process. This review discusses how a periodontist can help treat gum disease before dental implants and why it is important to do so.

The correlation between gum disease and teeth loss

Gum disease, specifically the more severe form of gum disease that is known as periodontitis, can lead to symptoms such as gum erosion and bone loss in the jaw, which can contribute to the loss of teeth. This is because teeth rely upon the gums and jawbone (known as periodontal health) for support, and a weakening of these structures can make teeth become loose and eventually fall out of the mouth or require extraction and replacement.

How gum disease affects the dental implant process

Gum disease makes the dental implants process slightly more complicated, although many (if not most) dental implant patients have gum disease beforehand. As mentioned, the gums and jawbone hold the dental implant(s) in place, and there must be enough healthy bone and gum tissue before the implants are placed.

How a periodontist can treat the effects of gum disease before dental implants

The goal is to treat gum disease before starting the dental implants process. It is also important to repair any damage that occurred to the gum and bone tissue as a result of gum disease as well. For example, a patient that has gum recession and bone loss as a result of gum disease may need a bone graft and gum graft procedure to restore the lost tissue and ensure adequate support for the dental implants.

What to expect during a dental implants procedure

After the mouth has healed from any treatments that are performed by the periodontist to address gum disease, the patient can schedule a time for the placement of their dental implant(s). This procedure involves minor surgery in which a small hole is drilled to access the jawbone, and the dental implant is positioned securely in the jawbone. After the dental implant(s) fuses with the bone (through a process known as osseointegration), the abutment and artificial tooth (or teeth) are placed to complete the dental implant restoration.