Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gum tissue that can lead to bone loss, and if left untreated dental implants may not be possible.
The alarming thing about periodontal disease is that most Americans have no idea if they have it or not. Simply put, it can be a silent killer of the mouth.
So what do you need to know about dental implants and periodontal disease to make sure you can still get your smile back? In this article, we'll explore the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of periodontal disease, and if dental implants are the right option for you.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease is a bacterial infection. It affects the gums, inflaming and weakening them.
Not only is this uncomfortable, severe cases often lead to tooth loss. The good news is that periodontal disease can be treated and prevented before it gets too far. And tooth loss can be fixed with dental implants.
It is key to work with a provider on a treatment plan for gum disease before trying to replace any missing or failing teeth with dental implants.
Periodontal disease can mean increased risk of dental implant failure or a longer recovery time if it’s present during the dental implant procedure. In other words, dental implants and periodontal disease do not go well together.
Can You Get Dental Implants with Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is very common, especially among those with failing teeth (it can even be the culprit!).
However, it is often recommended that patients have their periodontal disease treated before getting dental implants. Not only does this lower the risk of failure, it also lowers the risk of peri-implantitis (basically gum disease after having dental implants).
If you’re looking into dental implants but are worried you have periodontal disease, a Nuvia provider can help create a treatment plan so you can restore both your oral health and your smile.
The first step is to see if you may qualify for dental implants with the 60-second quiz.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Although periodontal disease is very common, not many people know what to look for.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be in the early stages of periodontal disease and should seek immediate dental care:
- Swollen, red, or dark gums
- Sensitivity in the teeth or gum area
- Receding gums or new gaps in your teeth
- Cysts full of puss
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding when brushing
- Bad breath
Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the teeth, which can eventually lead to damage to the gums and bone below. This kind of damage can have a lasting impact on your oral health, which is why it is so important to get treatment quickly.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
If caught early, periodontal disease can be treated with a professional cleaning called scaling, root planing and improved oral hygiene.
However, if the disease has progressed to the advanced stages, where the teeth may not be able to be saved, dental implants may be the best solution. Here are some common treatment options:
- Professional cleaning: A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, that removes build up and bacteria from below the gum line can help prevent further damage.
- Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the infection and help with healing.
- Gum grafts and surgery: If the disease has caused significant damage, gum grafts, ridge preservation, or other surgeries may be necessary to correct the damage and prevent further bone loss. A periodontist would be able to diagnose and treat advanced cases of periodontitis.
- Dental implants: If the teeth cannot be saved, full mouth dental implants from Nuvia can be a permanent solution to replace missing teeth.
Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours
If your periodontal disease has progressed enough that you need to have 5 or more teeth removed, full mouth dental implants is likely going to be a good option for you.
So what does that look like? With traditional methods, it could take up to 10+ months after getting your dental implants before you have a set of permanent teeth.
Or, you can skip the waiting and the bulky, temporary teeth and get your permanent set of zirconia teeth 24 hours after the dental implant procedure at Nuvia.
What to Do After Getting Dental Implants and Periodontal Disease Prevention
Once you’ve had your periodontal disease treated or gotten dental implants, you’ll want to continue good oral hygiene practices so you don’t get it again.
One sign of healthy gum tissue is when the gums appear pink and are tight around the teeth. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy gums and teeth:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your zirconia teeth and gums.
- Use a mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use, which can increase your risk of gum disease. Smoking can also weaken the bone surrounding your dental implants and lead to dental implant failure.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support oral health.
- Visit your dentist regularly to clean your dental implants.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease typically progresses in 4 stages, with the earliest stage being gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and irritate the gums. The symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The effects of gingivitis are reversible while those of periodontitis are not.
Periodontitis is the term used once gum disease begins causing bone loss. The first stage is simply periodontitis.
This is characterized by inflammation and some loss of bone support around the teeth. In this stage, the gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage.
The next stage is moderate periodontitis, which is characterized by significant loss of bone support around the teeth. In this stage, the teeth may become loose and begin to shift out of position.
The third and most severe stage is called advanced periodontitis, which is characterized by extensive loss of bone support around the teeth. In this stage, the teeth may become so loose that they need to be removed.
In addition to causing damage to your teeth and gums, periodontal disease has also been linked to other serious health issues such as kidney, blood, pancreas cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices and seeking prompt treatment for any signs of gum disease, you can help protect your overall health and well-being.
Take the first step to restoring your oral health with dental implants by taking the 60-second quiz to see if you may be a candidate.
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