Receding Gums: Are Dental Implants Still an Option?

Healthy gums are an important factor in ensuring the success of dental implants. Gums help protect the roots of the teeth and support the biting and chewing surfaces. If you have thin or receding gums, your dentist will evaluate your condition to determine if dental implants are a good option.

Healthy Gums and Implant Success

A number of factors can affect the success of dental implants. These include:

  • The patient’s overall health
  • Bone mass in the jaw
  • Gum disease
  • Thin or receding gums

If you are in good general health, have a strong jawbone and healthy gums, little preparation is needed before you can undergo implant treatment. However, if the jawbone is not strong enough to support the implants, bone grafting might be necessary. If the gums are thin or have receded from gum disease or other issues, a gum graft or other preparation can increase the likelihood that your implant procedure will be successful. [pullquote]Healthy gums are an important factor in ensuring the success of dental implants.[/pullquote]

Healthy gum tissue is important because it covers the roots of the teeth. Likewise, it covers the root portion of your implant. If gums have receded, the titanium screw that serves as the artificial root will be exposed, increasing the possibility that your implant will fail.

Treating Receding Gums

Receding gums can be treated before your implant procedure, although your implant dentist might choose to treat the issues during or even after the placement of the implants. Your individual situation and your dentist’s preference will determine the approach used.

In some cases, your implant dentist can reposition existing gum tissue to augment the tissue that supports your implant. In other cases, the dentist might prefer to perform a gum grafting procedure. Repositioning tissue is usually accomplished during the placement of the implant. Gum grafts can be performed before or after implant placement.

If, before your implant procedure, you are suffering from gingivitis or more serious gum disease, your dentist will probably recommend treatment for your gum disease to remove the inflammation, infection and bacteria, which can severely compromise your implants.

To find out if you are a in Centennial or the surrounding areas, contact the doctor Family Dentistry at our office to schedule your consultation.