A dental implant is a tooth replacement that helps restore the appearance and function of your
teeth. Dental implants are strong, lifelike, and can complete your smile when you having
missing teeth.
The actual implant consists of a small screw that’s inserted into the jaw onto which a dental
crown will be placed. These sturdy restorations are designed to last a lifetime.
But can dental implants actually help prevent gum disease? Here’s what you need to know
about gum health after getting dental implants.
Implants Support Alveolar Bone
Dental implants help support the bone that supports teeth, which is called alveolar bone. This
bone—located in your jaw—helps keep your teeth healthy along with your gums and other
connective tissue.
When your alveolar bone is strong, you’re less likely to lose teeth. Jawbone naturally recedes
when a tooth is lost, as the bone is no longer being stimulated by that particular tooth and so
the body doesn’t see a need for it.
Lost jawbone can make your face appear less full and more sunken, leading to an older
appearance. Dental implants can essentially halt the bone loss process and generate better
jawbone density even if you’ve been missing teeth for years.
Dental Implants Can Still Be Affected by Gum Disease
Just because dental implants can support healthy alveolar bone doesn’t mean that your teeth
will now be immune to gum disease.
Dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, but gum disease can still affect the gum tissue
surrounding your new dental implant. This means that your dental implant is still susceptible to
the effects of gum disease.
For this reason, your dentist will want to ensure your gums are healthy before considering
dental implants for your smile. You cannot have existing gum disease and get dental implants,
but you can have dental implants and get gum disease.
How to Know if You Qualify for Dental Implants
Fortunately, even if you’ve had gum disease in the past, you can still qualify for dental implants
as long as your gum disease has been resolved by your dentist.
If you have an existing gum infection, your dentist will need to cure the problem before
considering your candidacy for dental implants.
You’ll also need to have enough alveolar bone to support dental implants. However, even if
you’ve sustained jawbone loss over the years, you may be able to get a bone graft in order to
receive dental implants.
Patients who may not qualify for dental implants include those who currently have gum
disease, those who smoke, or those who don’t have enough jawbone and are not able to
receive a bone graft.
Considering Dental Implants?
You don’t have to live with missing teeth. Dental implants have a 98% success rate and the
majority of patients are very satisfied with their restorations [1].
Dental implants may help prevent bone and tooth loss, but remember that keeping your smile
healthy is going to be key to preventing gum disease with your dental implants. Talk to your
dentist today to see if you qualify for these quality tooth replacements!
Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-myths
