There are numerous reasons why someone might want to get dental implants. The procedure is essential for people who have lost some teeth but cannot or do not want to get dentures, bridges, or crowns. If you have lost a tooth, it’s important not to leave the gap unaddressed. It may affect your quality of life and confidence, but it could also lead to other dental complications such as crowding and increased chances of tooth disease if you didn’t have it before!
Before you go ahead and schedule the dental implant procedure, you’ll need to have an important conversation with your implant dentist about your eligibility for the procedure. Dentistry and technology have come a long way, but there will always be requirements you need to meet for certain procedures.
Before you can get dental implants, the dentist must guarantee the health of your teeth and gums. This post will discuss what periodontitis is if you can get dental implants and how you can qualify for dental implants with periodontitis.
What is periodontitis?
Also referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease, periodontitis is a serious gum infection that affects the gums and bones’ soft tissue that supports and surrounds the affected teeth.
Causes and Symptoms
Periodontitis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in your teeth or gums due to poor oral hygiene. These bacteria often come from a build-up of plaque that’s stuck to your teeth around the gumline. The bacteria-filled plaque then invades the gum and begins to eat through the soft tissue and, if left untreated, will end up eating through the bones. As unlikely as it might seem, periodontal disease can also be sneaky and show no symptoms. If it does show symptoms, they may include:
- Swollen, red gums
- Teeth falling out
- Painful chewing
- A receding gum line
- Pus pooling between the teeth
- Loose teeth
Although it is common, periodontitis is preventable by maintaining proper dental hygiene – brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and watching the foods you consume. Additionally, quitting smoking or vaping and visiting the Downey dentist for regular check-ups will keep your teeth in good condition.
Your dentist in Downey will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection to treat periodontitis. These antibiotics could come in the form of insertable gels or antibiotic mouth rinses that’ll be able to get into the spaces between your teeth and gums to control the infection.
What are dental implants?
An implant dentist fixes dental implants in a mildly invasive procedure to replace missing teeth. The procedure involves placing a titanium implant to replace your tooth root before topping it off with a crown, bridge, or other natural-looking tooth replacement.
There are numerous causes for tooth loss beyond diseases. These could be accidents, getting in a fight, or whatever else. Dental implants are a great, safe, and effective way to replace missing teeth and get your confidence back.
Can you get dental implants with periodontitis?
No, you cannot get teeth implants with gum disease. Your teeth need to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure first, and if you develop gum disease after getting the implants, the implications could be pretty dangerous.
Having gum disease will translate to having already damaged gums and bones around the teeth. It is not only unsafe to get implants with gum disease, but it is also an excruciating experience.
A condition known as peri-implantitis could arise from having implants with gum disease. It will affect the soft tissue that surrounds the implants and will quickly attack the bone as well. Dental Downey dental implants can give you nice, shiny pearly whites and a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. However, just like natural teeth, they can get infected to the point of losing them completely! Symptoms of implants affected by gum diseases include bleeding, bad breath, implants falling out, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
How to get dental implants with periodontitis
First, you will have to eliminate gum disease. Next, your dentist will determine if your bones and gums are strong enough to support an implant after fully recovering. If they are in decent shape, the dentist may recommend you for a bone and soft tissue graft to support your gums and bones for the procedure.
Finally, you will be re-evaluated to determine if you’re eligible for dental implants once you have healed completely. Looking for a Downey Dentist, our expert dentist at Monica Puentes, DDS, can help provide you with the best options for your dental care.