Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
Here I explain what gum disease is and whether you can still have implants if you have it.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is when your gums become red, swollen, and bleed when you brush. You may hear it be called gingivitis, periodontitis or periodontal disease. Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease which can be reversed. But if it’s not treated, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis. This affects bones and tissue around your tooth and can lead to tooth loss.
What causes gum disease?
The leading cause of gum disease is plaque build-up, which can happen if you don’t brush or clean your teeth and gums properly.
Smoking is another known cause of gum disease. Family history can also be a risk factor. It’s estimated that 90 percent of the UK population have some level of gum disease, with many unaware they have it in the early stages.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
In the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), key symptoms are bleeding gums after brushing, and the gum tissue becoming swollen and sore.
Other signs of gum disease include:
- pain when you chew
- bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- your gums have moved away from your teeth (receding gums)
- your teeth are looser
Can you stop gum disease?
Gingivitis can usually be reversed by professional cleaning and taking good care of your teeth and gums at home. Professional cleaning is done by a dentist or hygienist, to remove plaque and tartar. In addition, you also need to follow a good cleaning routine at home by:
- brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- cleaning between your teeth with an interdental brush or floss
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a treatment option for replacing lost teeth. A metal or ceramic screw is surgically placed into your jawbone. The bone then heals around the implant in a process called osseointegration where the implant becomes combined with your bone. The implant can then support a crown, bridge or dentures.
The process for dental implants can take a few weeks to months, to give time for your bone to heal. There are implants that can be placed in just one day called smile in a day implants. In this procedure, four to six dental implants are placed in your jaw. A full arch of temporary false teeth is then secured on top the same day. This procedure may also be called all-on-4 implants. The back implants are placed at a precise angle where there is denser bone. So, it can be a solution even if you have bone loss from gum disease.
If you’re able to have implants, your dentist will talk you through the best type of implants for you. They’ll advise if you need to have any supporting treatment before the procedure, such as hygiene treatment, bone grafting or sinus lifts.
Can some people not have dental implants?
Dental implants may not be suitable if:
Dental implants may not be suitable for you if you have active or untreated gum disease. This is because the implant may fail.
Gum disease can be managed using regular hygiene treatment or surgery, depending on how severe it is. Once your gum disease is under control, you might be able to have implants. Your dentist will give you a clear treatment plan when you visit them for your consultation.
Once you have had implants put in, it’s very important that you take good care of your gums and teeth. This can help prevent peri-implant disease, an infection that can develop around implants, similar to gum disease. Regular check-ups with your dentist can also make sure any problems are picked up early and managed.
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