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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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You can contact our periodontist’s office by phone or message today to schedule a visit at a time that works for you. Whether you are interested in treatment for periodontal (gum) disease or teeth replacement with dental implants (or both), our office is here to help you with your treatment goals.
Request an appointment or call Berkeley Periodontics and Dental Implants at 908-491-3201 for an appointment in our Berkeley Heights office.
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