Implant Dentistry and the Importance of Healthy Gums

Implant Dentistry and the Importance of Healthy Gums from Sam Patel DDS, PA in McKinney, TXImplant dentistry offers durable and natural-looking solutions for tooth loss. Read on to learn more about dental implant restorations. These titanium-based prosthetic tooth roots are implanted directly into the jawbone to offer a solid link to a dental prosthesis, such as crowns or a dental bridge. Dental implants can only be placed successfully if the gums and jawbone are healthy enough.

The importance of healthy gums in implant dentistry

Gum and jawbone health is essential in determining whether a patient’s mouth can sustain an implant. The condition of the gums and bone in the mouth is critical for a long-lasting, healthy dental implant.

Gum health is important for dental implants for the following reasons:

  • Implants will not get adequate support if the gums and bones have been damaged. A dental implant is designed to sit firmly in the gum and jaw tissue, effectively substituting the natural tooth roots and offering a sturdy base to place a crown, bridge, or permanent denture.
  • When the gums are healthy, they fit snugly around your implant, protecting it and helping it stay put. The healthy jaw tissue also forms a lasting link with the implant. The implant will not heal properly if your gums or jaw are weak, and it will not be secure.
  • Gum recession may expose the root of the implant. If the gums continue to recede after undergoing dental implant placement, the implant posts may become vulnerable to the bacteria and food particles present in the mouth. This makes it more difficult to maintain the implant in excellent condition, and it may get infected or need removal.
  • Periodontal disease is a major source of infection. Since the same bacteria that cause gum disease may also cause peri-implantitis, a dental implant infection, the dentist will not recommend getting an implant until the periodontal disease has been managed effectively. Even with proper management of gum disease, if the patient has a fragile jawbone and their gum tissues have degenerated severely due to the disease, patients may not be eligible to get an implant.

The most significant risk of unhealthy gums is that there is a high chance of implant failure. Even while implant failure is always a tiny probability, the odds increase remarkably when periodontal disease is present. That implies the implant procedure may have to be repeated, resulting in additional time and expenses.

The solution to gum issues

Fortunately, many patients may still be able to get a dental implant even if their gum and bone tissues are not in optimal health. However, they will almost certainly need gum and bone grafts before the treatment. A grafting procedure involves implanting a chunk of bone and tissue materials into the gums and jaw to provide a solid, healthy foundation for the dental implant.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in McKinney, TX

Ready to schedule an appointment?

The dentist will examine your oral health during a consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for implant dentistry restoration. Dental implant restorations offer a reliable and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth.

Request an appointment or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at 972-638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney office.

Related Posts

Implant Dentisty Options For Long Lasting Tooth Replacement

There are several options available to patients after losing a tooth. One of the more popular options -- and perhaps the longest-lasting solution – is implant dentistry. This involves the placement of one or more dental implants, followed by the attachment of abutments and a crown, bridge, or denture.Depending on the number of teeth that…

How Implant Dentistry Affects Everyday Activities

Implant dentistry makes everyday activities easier. After tooth loss occurs, certain activities can become more of a challenge, and it can affect the person’s appearance and level of confidence. The good news is that many restore their confidence level and improve their ability to eat, speak, and care for their smile each day with implant…

Implant Dentistry: Are Dental Implant Restorations Removable?

If you have opted for implant dentistry to replace your missing teeth, you will need to decide on fixed or removable restorations. Read on to learn about implant dentistry and your options. Removable implant-supported restorations can be snapped on and off the abutments anytime there is a need to take off. In contrast, fixed restorations…