Dealing with gum disease? You’re not alone. Many are surprised to discover that dental implants are still an option, bringing back smiles that last a lifetime.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease targets the gingiva, the protective tissue around your teeth that’s essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Gums form a snug barrier around each tooth, stopping bacteria from getting underneath the gumline. This is important because when bacteria break through, they can cause infections in your gums, surrounding tissues, and the jawbones that support your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can cause gums to recede (pull back to expose more teeth), the loss of jawbone, and even tooth loss. Gum disease is progressive, which means it gets worse if left untreated. Early gum disease is known as gingivitis, while late-stage gum disease is periodontitis.
All about gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease. Characterized by inflammation, the early stages of gum disease can show signs and symptoms affecting the gums such as:
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding, especially when you brush or floss around the affected tooth or teeth
Gingivitis occurs when saliva mixes with food particles to create plaque, a clear and colorless film that adheres to teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque can irritate the gums to cause inflammation or swelling. The good news is that you can simply brush away plaque; the bad news is that the plaque will redevelop within 4 to 12 hours after brushing. When plaque isn’t removed from your teeth and gums, it hardens into tartar—a tough, yellow or brown deposit known as dental calculus. Tartar likes to build up around the gumline, forming both above and below it. Unfortunately, once it’s there, no amount of brushing or flossing can take it off. Only a professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist can get rid of it.
The problem is, while tartar sits on your teeth, it holds onto bacteria and other irritants that stay in contact with your gums 24/7. This constant exposure raises your risk of developing periodontitis—a serious form of gum disease that can threaten your smile.
About periodontitis
Plaque and tartar don’t just sit on your teeth—they actually trigger inflammation, making your gums swollen and irritated. Over time, this swelling can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating little pockets where plaque, tartar, and bacteria can hide out. If they’re left alone, that buildup can work its way down to your tooth roots and even your jawbone, setting the stage for serious infections. The biggest difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is those deep pockets that form around your teeth.
Periodontitis can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, such as:
- Swollen gums
- Dark red, bright red, or dark purple gums
- Tenderness, especially when you touch your gums
- Bleeding gums – you may notice blood or a pink tinge on your toothbrush after brushing
- Spitting blood while brushing or flossing
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth, or teeth that have shifted out of position
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can attack your jawbone to weaken the bone tissue, which can leave your jawbone too weak to hold your teeth securely in place.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a lasting solution for missing teeth. Think of them as tiny metal posts that your dentist places in your jawbone. Over the next few weeks, your bone actually fuses with the post, creating a strong foundation for a custom-made crown, the part of the tooth you see above your gums.
With regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, dental implants can last a lifetime. But it’s important to know that certain things, like gum disease, can affect how well they hold up over time. Keeping your gums healthy is key to making sure your implants stay strong.
Can I Get Dental Implants with Gum Disease?
If you have gum disease, you may still be able to get dental implants. However, this is only possible if your gum disease is in its early stages and you are ready to treat it.
Healthy gums are essential to the success of your dental implants. If your jawbone is too weak to hold your natural teeth, it may not have the bone density needed to keep your implants in place for a lifetime.
When is it too late to reverse gum disease?
The good news is, most dentists can typically treat gum disease, but only if it’s caught early, during the gingivitis stage. Once it moves into periodontitis, the damage to your jawbone is permanent, and that can impact how well dental implants work.
If you’re dealing with gum disease, your dentist can figure out if it’s still in the gingivitis phase or if it’s progressed to periodontitis. They can also check to see if the damage can be managed and whether you might still be a good candidate for dental implants after your gum disease treatments.
How can I get new teeth if I have gum disease?
If you’re missing one or more teeth but have advanced periodontitis, you still have options for restoring your smile! Your dentist can explore different treatments to help you get back that full, confident look.
First, they’ll take a close look at your gums and jawbone to see how much damage has been done. If it’s not too severe, dental implants might still be on the table. In some cases, your dentist may recommend treating the gum disease first to strengthen your jawbone before moving forward.
If your gum disease has caused too much damage to your jawbone, your dentist may recommend dentures or a dental bridge. Dentures are a removable tooth replacement that works well if you are missing multiple teeth on your upper or lower arch or jaw.
A dental bridge replaces up to four teeth in a section of your upper or lower jaw. As its name suggests, a dental bridge will “bridge” the gap caused by one or more missing teeth. Your dentist replaces the missing teeth with natural-looking artificial crowns. The bridge stretches between two healthy teeth, known as abutment teeth.
Who Isn't a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
While dental implants are a fantastic option for many, they’re not always the right fit for everyone. Certain health conditions, like diabetes, can slow down healing and reduce the chances of success. Some medications can also interfere with how well your jawbone fuses with the implant. Even the thickness and width of your jawbone play a role—if there’s not enough bone, it can make implants less effective.
Good oral hygiene is crucial, too. Poor habits can increase the risk of infection or even cause the implant to fail. In some cases, allergies or infections can also raise the chance of implant rejection.
There are ways to improve your chances. If your jawbone isn’t thick or wide enough, bone or soft tissue grafts can help. This involves adding bone material to your jaw, encouraging new growth to create a stronger foundation. And if you have mild gingivitis, treating it can boost your eligibility for implants. With the right steps, many people can become strong candidates for this lasting tooth replacement option.
Your dentist can help you determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Where Do I Go for More Information About Dental Implants in Glenwood Springs, CO?
If you have one or more missing teeth and are interested in dental implants, connect with Murray Dental Group. Our dentists in Glenwood Springs can assist you in finding out if dental implants suit you. They can also provide you with additional details about dental implants and gum disease.
