For some people, going to the dentist isn’t always fun. However, it’s always important to see your dentist at least once a year to examine if you have cavities, gum disease, or if you need a dental implant.
Over time gum disease deteriorates your jawbone and it won’t be strong enough to support an implant. To complete an implant procedure, your gum tissue has to be thick and wide enough to handle an implant.
Don’t fret, there are different options available for you if you require dental implants, it just takes a little time and patience on your end. Most people are eventually able to get dental implants following a few steps.
Gum Disease Weakens Tissue Bones
However, there is another route you can take. Even with your gum disease, you could be a candidate for a soft tissue graft and after you’ve healed, you’ll be in a better position for a dental implant.
You won’t be able to get dental implants if you have gum disease. Your gums have to be strong and healthy before that procedure can be done.
Gum disease is fairly common, but it isn’t something to mess with. Without proper dental care, it can lead to some serious issues, such as tooth loss or a lot of pain. If your gums are weakened, then it makes it harder and less likely for a dental implant procedure to occur.
Dental implants are designed to replace lost teeth, but your dental implants can also get infected, which is a disease called peri-implantitis. It’s similar to periodontal disease and affects the bone around infected implants.
Signs of Gum Disease
Dealing with the long-term effects of gum disease isn’t fun. And early on you won’t notice a lot of pain even in the advanced stages of periodontal disease. That’s why it’s important to regularly visit your dentist so they can keep an eye out for early signs.
However, some signs include bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that you can’t get out. Or gums that bleed when you brush or floss can be signs of gum disease. A more serious sign can be receding gums, teeth that seem to be loose, and pockets between your teeth and gum.
More signs or symptoms include a receding gum line, pus in between your teeth, and feeling like your teeth are swollen. It’s possible to have gum disease and not have any symptoms shown.
You should see your local dentist if you notice any of these issues.
Ways to prevent gum disease:
- Create solid brush and floss habits
- Quit smoking or vaping
- Have a healthy diet
- Talk to your dentist about preventative treatment
- Floss at least twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
Gum disease occurs when plaque and tatar build-up damages the gums, which then breaks down the soft tissue and the supportive alveolar bone. If left untreated, gingivitis develops into a more advanced issue called advanced periodontitis.
Of course, gum disease can be avoided by always practicing good hygiene. Make sure you visit the dentist twice a year, use mouthwash regularly, floss daily, and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Another lifestyle change you can make is limiting the amount of sugary foods you consume and staying away from tobacco.
How To Fight Gum Disease
There are ways to treat gum disease. Periodontal therapy can help treat gum disease over time and provides a non-surgical option for gum disease. These gum disease treatments can help restore your teeth and gums, as well as prevent tooth loss.
Surgical options for gum disease:
- Gum grafts
- Gum flap surgery
- Root planning and scaling
To avoid surgery depends on the severity of your gum disease. Most mild to moderate cases can be treated with root planing and scaling, which involves cleaning off the plaque from the tooth’s surface and underneath the gums. This procedure also involves smoothing down the root, which stops the bacteria from creating future infections.
The more severe cases will of course require surgery to help restore your gums. Some options include gum grafts, which are used to protect the root of your tooth when your gums have receded too far and give a smile makeover. The recovery time period after the procedure is usually one to two weeks for your mouth to fully heal. Gum flap surgery is also another route you can take. Essentially your gums are cut and folded back so that the roots underneath them can be cleaned.
To learn more about whether can you get dental implants on infected gums, call First Dental at (617) 623-8489 or (781) 395-0300 or contact us here.