Are you afraid that gum disease has slammed the door on your hopes of smile and bite restoration with dental implants? Fear not! You have options for setting things straight and reclaiming the smile of your dreams!
Many patients with gum disease ask us if they have viable options for eligibility for dental implants. While gum disease complicates the process, it’s not an automatic disqualifier. With proper care and treatment, you can once again be eligible to enjoy the many long-term benefits of dental implants. Here's what you need to know!
Gum Disease and Dental Implants
Dental implants need a solid foundation of healthy gums and bone. Gum or periodontal disease causes inflammation and damage to the gums and surrounding bone structure. Untreated gum disease raises the risk of implant failure by weakening the tissues and bones that support your teeth, undermining the stability of an implant.
Consequently, it is essential to treat gum disease before proceeding with implants to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.
Treating Gum Disease Before Implant Placement
The good news is that gum disease is treatable via various methods. One highly popular and effective non-surgical procedure to treat gum disease is “scaling and root planing.” The “scaling” portion of the procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline. “Root planing,” meanwhile, smooths tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This treatment restores the health of your gums, making them strong enough to support dental implants.
In more severe cases of gum disease, additional treatments, including antibiotics or surgery, may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.
Am I a Candidate for Implants after Periodontal Treatment?
Once your gum disease is under control, your dentist will evaluate whether you’re ready for dental implants by assessing your jawbone density and gum health. If gum disease has significantly weakened a person’s jawbone, an additional procedure called bone grafting may be recommended to bolster the foundation for dental implants and allow them to fully deliver their transformative benefits!
Precisely Placed Dental Implants in Rockville, MD
If you're looking for a dentist in Rockville, MD, with experience and expertise in guiding patients through the entire dental implant process, from consultation to placement to aftercare, contact Dr. Thomas B. Gladnick and the outstanding Gladnick Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!
