Considering dental implants as a solution for missing teeth is a positive step towards restoring oral function and aesthetics. You may be aware that dental implants are often touted as the premier tooth replacement option, offering a stable and natural-feeling solution. However, if you are currently managing periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, you might be questioning its potential impact on your suitability for dental implants.
It is important to understand that the presence of active periodontal disease does influence the immediate feasibility of implant placement. However, the situation is not prohibitive. Periodontal disease is treatable and, with continuous maintenance, preventable from recurring. Therefore, it represents a temporary consideration rather than a permanent barrier to receiving dental implants, provided you commit to a robust oral hygiene regimen to maintain a healthy oral environment.
Preventing periodontal disease hinges on consistent and effective oral hygiene practices, ideally established early in life. This involves brushing meticulously for two minutes, twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and employing the correct technique to clean all tooth surfaces, including from the gumline upwards. Furthermore, daily flossing, preferably before bedtime, is crucial to eliminate food particles and debris from between the teeth. If you are uncertain about your brushing or flossing technique, consulting with your dental hygienist for personalized guidance is highly recommended.
Periodontal disease typically arises from inadequate plaque removal through brushing and flossing, leading to a persistent gum infection. Untreated, this infection progresses, causing the gums to recede from the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loosening and eventual loss. If a missing tooth is not replaced, adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, causing further misalignment and potential complications. Regular dental check-ups, at least twice a year, are therefore essential for early detection and management of periodontal disease and overall oral health maintenance.
The encouraging news is that once periodontal disease is successfully treated and brought under control, dental implants become a viable and enduring tooth replacement option, provided meticulous oral hygiene is maintained long-term. The dental implant procedure involves surgically placing a biocompatible titanium screw into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. This implant then undergoes a period of osseointegration, where the jawbone fuses with the implant, creating a stable foundation. After healing, a custom-fabricated crown, designed to match the shade and contours of your natural teeth by a skilled dental laboratory, is attached to the implant, completing the restoration.
Upon completion of the implant process, the result is a restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth, both in appearance and function. If you are considering dental implants and wish to assess your oral health and discuss your restorative options, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy and confident smile.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.