Dental implants from our Austin Dental Office can provide several benefits to your smile, such as a more lifelike appearance for replacement teeth, a strong healthy jawbone, and a firm foundation for your remaining natural teeth. Many people that need a dental implant qualify to get one. However, there are a few circumstances that could interfere with the qualification for an implant or the success of their placement. Gum disease is one of the most common circumstances that could affect a dental implant. If advanced gum disease was the cause of your tooth loss, you may require periodontal treatment or other preemptive treatments prior to your implants being placed.
Effects of Gum Disease On Your Smile
Gum disease, known as periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss. However, it does not directly affect your tooth structure. The disease causes tooth loss by eroding the gum tissues that surround and support your teeth roots. As it progresses, your gums can recede away from your tooth roots, which can cause pain and discomfort. As gum disease becomes more severe, it can begin to affect the jawbone that lives beneath your gum tissues. Your jawbone is where your teeth roots are embedded, and the erosion of it can endanger your teeth. Early stages of gum disease can be reversed, but as it progresses, the disease must be managed to preemptively prevent tooth loss and the erosion of your smile’s supportive structures.
Qualification For Dental Implants
Because the advanced periodontal disease causes degradation to the very area that a dental implant will be placed, it is important for the gum disease to be managed. Routine periodontal maintenance may help your gums heal and prevent the disease from continuing to erode your jawbone and tissues. If necessary, jawbone grafting may be recommended to strengthen your jawbone so that the site can adequately support your implant posts.
Can you get a dental implant if you have gum disease?
Dr. Carmona can determine if you qualify for implant dentistry. To schedule a consultation at Austin Prosthodontics, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
