Can You Get Dental Implants in Sacramento if You Have Gum Disease?

Dental implants offer a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth, but they require a healthy foundation to be successful. If you’re dealing with gum disease, you might be wondering whether you can still get dental implants.

In a previous blog post, we discussed the top reasons to choose dental implants over dentures in Sacramento. In this blog, we’ll delve into how gum disease can impact the dental implant process and what steps you can take to address and manage it effectively.

Understanding Gum Disease:

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition where the gums become inflamed due to bacterial infection. It starts with gingivitis, characterized by redness and swelling, and can progress to periodontitis, which affects the deeper structures of the gums and bone. Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration, complicating the process of placing dental implants.

Impact of Gum Disease on Dental Implants:

Dental implants require a stable and healthy jawbone to support the artificial tooth root. Gum disease can affect your suitability for implants in several ways:

1. Bone Loss:

   Gum disease often leads to bone loss in the jaw, which is essential for securing the dental implant. Without sufficient bone density, the implant may not properly integrate with the bone.

2. Infection Risk:

   Active gum disease increases the risk of infection around the implant site, which can lead to implant failure.

3. Healing Complications:

   Gum disease can impair the healing process after implant placement, potentially leading to complications and prolonged recovery.

Can You Still Get Implants?

The good news is that having gum disease does not automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants. However, it does mean that additional steps may be required to ensure a successful outcome:

1. Treating Gum Disease:

   Before proceeding with dental implants, your cosmetic dentist in Sacramento will first address the gum disease. This might involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotics, or other periodontal treatments to restore gum health and prevent further infection.

2. Bone Grafting:

   If gum disease has caused significant bone loss, a bone graft might be necessary to rebuild the bone structure. This procedure involves placing bone material in the jaw to promote new bone growth and provide a stable base for the implants.

3. Evaluation and Planning:

   Once the gum disease is under control and the bone is sufficiently prepared, your dentist in Sacramento will conduct a thorough evaluation and create a detailed treatment plan. This plan will include the timing of implant placement and any additional procedures required.

Conclusion:

While gum disease can pose challenges for getting dental implants, it is possible to achieve successful outcomes with proper management and treatment. Addressing gum disease before proceeding with implants is crucial to ensure a strong foundation for your new teeth and to prevent future complications.

If you're considering dental implants in Sacramentoand have concerns about gum disease, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today at 916-487-5147 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your journey to a healthier, confident smile.