Dental implants are today's gold standard for tooth replacement. Renowned for their durability and attractive appearance, they restore missing or damaged teeth to create a natural-looking smile.
However, dental implant eligibility depends on a patient's health and the absence of specific medical conditions. This blog explores whether patients with gum disease can receive dental implants. We will also share how oral health and overall wellness impact a patient's ability to receive implants.
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
Most healthy patients can successfully receive dental implants. Requirements include:
- A desire to replace a missing or damaged tooth
- Sufficient jawbone volume to receive the implant
- Healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure
- Absence of conditions impacting healing
- Good oral health and hygiene practices
Medical conditions that could interfere with getting implants include the following:
- Active gum disease with an ongoing infection
- Cancer
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Lack of bone volume in the jaw
Fortunately, we can treat most of the above medical conditions and restore a patient's eligibility for dental implants.
About Gum Disease
To understand how gum disease affects dental implants, we will explain how the condition works. Also known as periodontal disease, this disease begins when plaque accumulates along and below the gumline. When left behind due to poor oral hygiene, plaque hardens into tartar or calculus. This hard substance releases bacterial toxins that break down gum and bone tissue, causing teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. It also causes deep pockets to form between the teeth and gums, allowing tartar to collect and harbor infection.
Gum disease is generally preventable with positive oral hygiene habits. Despite this, it is a common problem among adults. Up to half of all American adults over 30 suffer from this condition, indicating that many patients do not pay sufficient attention to their oral health.
Stages of Gum Disease
This disease can be reversed at its earliest stage, gingivitis. If patients' gums bleed when they brush or floss, or if the gums become swollen and darker in color, they should see us as soon as possible for diagnosis. In combination with excellent home care, a thorough professional cleaning can help eliminate gingivitis.
When gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, it becomes irreversible. Dentists and their patients can work together to control the condition. We can save bones, gums, and teeth with proper treatment.
How Gum Disease Could Interfere With Dental Implants
When dental implants fail, peri-implantitis often takes the blame. This problem occurs when the bone and gum tissues surrounding the new implant become infected and suffer damage. The infection can progress to a severe condition similar to advanced periodontitis. It can lead to bone loss and eventual implant loss.
Patients who smoke, have diabetes, or have untreated gum disease are most likely to develop peri-implantitis. Most people can prevent this condition by practicing careful oral hygiene and attending all recommended dental appointments.
When addressed promptly, peri-implantitis can often be successfully treated. Dental deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotic treatment, and periodontal surgery are three standard ways to combat this infection.
Enjoy a New Smile With Healthy Dental Implants
The best way to combat gum disease and ensure future implant success is to prevent it. If you have a healthy smile, keep it that way by practicing consistent oral hygiene. If your gums have an active infection, work with your dentist to treat it before undergoing implant surgery.
When you care for your oral health, you will achieve better outcomes. We encourage you to contact us with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
If I have insufficient bone volume in my jaw, can I still receive implants?
Yes, you can. You can undergo a bone graft procedure that promotes the gradual growth of new jawbone tissue. A bone graft may take several months to grow enough bone volume to place an implant.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
In healthy patients, the success rate is about 95 percent. When factoring in conditions such as peri-implantitis, the success rate drops to about 45-70 percent. Aggressive early treatment of peri-implantitis results in higher success rates.
We at Dental Associates can help you restore your smile with implants. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please get in touch with us for a consultation at our convenient Farmington, CT, office. We look forward to hearing from you!