Many adults today have been told they have periodontal (gum) disease, which can range in severity but the impacts of more severe cases can lead to damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In such cases I am often asked by this patient base whether dental implants can help to reverse the impact of this disease.
In short, yes, dental implants do reverse the impact of bone loss from periodontal disease. When an extensive amount of bone loss has occurred, patients can find it difficult to chew well because their dental appliances no longer fit. In many of those situations, they have lost a great deal of bone due to the ravages of periodontal disease. While dental implants, themselves, cannot alter the fact that the bone has been lost, they can compensate for the missing teeth, since they are, in effect, titanium “roots” that have been inserted in the bone. When judiciously placed so that the forces of the occlusion (bite) are evenly distributed, dental implants can provide rejuvenation in that the patient “feels” secure when chewing.
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[/media-credit]With proper preoperative planning using a 3D Xray (the CBCT-cone beam-Xray) implants can be confidently placed in ideal positions. This precise positioning is accomplished by using a surgical stent that has been developed using models and/or the CBCT Xray. In our opinion, all dental implants should be inserted using a surgical stent. It is recommended for patients to inquire if that is being done as part of their treatment plan.
Implants can reverse the impact of bone loss due to periodontal disease. Proper planning, the right number of dental implants, and their precise insertion so that the prosthesis has the ideal design, provide the most natural feel and the best long term prognosis. If you suffer from the impacts of periodontal disease and are considering dental implants, discuss your options and the correct course of treatment with your dental implant specialist.
