Can You Get Dental Implants With Gum Disease?

Dental implants are artificial teeth that can restore your smile and support long-term oral health.

The surgery has a very low failure rate and for good reason. Before getting the procedure, you’ll be thoroughly screened to make sure you’re a good candidate. One of the factors a dentist will look for is the presence of gum disease.

But if you do indeed have gum disease, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get dental implants in Oak Park at all.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a severe dental issue that attacks the gums. It’s caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth near the gum line, which allows harmful bacteria to cause inflammation.

Left unchecked, gum disease can cause irreparable damage to your oral health, such as gum retraction, loose teeth, and even permanent tooth loss.

Why Gum Disease Prevents You from Getting Dental Implants

Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental crowns will also replace the missing tooth’s root through the metal (titanium) post inserted into the jaw bone.

After your surgery, the body begins a healing stage known as osseointegration, which can take around 4 to 6 months or longer. At the end of it, the jawbone and gums will fuse to the metal post and keep it firmly in place, just like a natural root.

If your gums aren’t healthy, such as due to gum disease, then they are less likely to properly heal around the implant. Periodontal disease may also affect jawbone tissue, which increases the chances of implant failure tremendously.

Can You Still Get Dental Implants with Periodontal Disease?

You may be able to get dental implant surgery if you first treat gum disease. This can be done through:

• Deep cleaning to remove all bacteria, including under the gums
• Antibiotic therapy, either taken orally or applied directly to the gums in gel form
• Gum grafts to restore tissues after gum retraction, etc.

Every patient’s different, so your treatment will depend on the extent of your condition and whatever damage it’s already caused. For instance, you may even need tooth extractions if gum disease has caused some teeth to loosen.

Once the infection is removed and the gums heal, you will be screened again for dental implants and may be cleared for surgery. If not, a dentist may recommend a more appropriate alternative, such as a bridge or even dentures.

Getting Dental Implants at Murphy Dental Group, PLLC

If you are interested in dental implants, you can meet with Dr. Brandon Murphy to find out if you’re a good candidate for these artificial teeth.

Even if you have gum disease, our practice offers excellent periodontal care that may still allow you to replace your missing teeth with implants.

Get the process started and schedule a consultation at Murphy Dental Group, PLLC online or call us at (708) 524-0330 today.