Can You Get Dental Implants With Gum Disease?

Before getting dental implants in East Amherst, Dr. Bridget Sweeney will conduct a very thorough examination of your oral health as well as your medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

This is done to reduce the risk of implant failure and make sure you can enjoy your newly restored smile for the rest of your life.

One key thing Dr. Sweeney will look for is the presence of gum disease. But if she finds it, does that mean you’re not a good candidate? Find out below:

Gum Disease and Dental Implants: Can They Coexist?

Well, the short answer is no. Gum disease and dental implants don’t mix well at all, so if you’re dealing with this condition, your implant procedure needs to be put on hold.

Dental implants replace the full structure of the missing tooth, including the root. A titanium post is inserted surgically into the jaw bone, and once the bone and gums fuse to the post, the patient is ready to complete the restoration.

But gum disease is a type of infection that can increase the risk of implant failure tremendously. It can lead to peri-implantitis, which attacks the tissues surrounding the post and prevents the area from healing.

You Can Still Get Implants If You Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can cause a lot of damage to your oral health. But if you successfully treat it, your gums may become healthy enough to get dental implants.

The treatment itself depends on how severe the gum disease is and what damage it’s already caused. It can include:

• Deep cleaning: This thoroughly cleans your teeth and gums to remove all traces of bacteria causing the infection. This includes removing the tartar buildup from the teeth and also the pockets found beneath the gums.

• Antibiotics: Advanced gum disease may need antibiotic therapy for a few days to fight the infection. You can either apply a gel directly to the gums or take the medicine orally. 

• Tooth extraction: As the disease progresses, it can weaken the jawbone and cause your teeth to loosen. If the damage is extensive, these teeth may require extraction. 

• Gum grafts: Gum disease causes the tissue to pull back from the root of the tooth. This damage is irreversible, but it can be corrected through a gum grafting procedure.

Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Come see Dr. Bridget Sweeney for a short consultation to find out if dental implants are the right solution for you, even if you’re currently dealing with gum disease.

Schedule a dental implant appointment at The Ivory Dental Co. online and stop by our practice to discover your options.

Want to learn more about implants first? Then feel free to call us at (716) 221-0042 for a short chat!