Can You Have Dental Implants With Receding Gums? The Answer May Surprise You!

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we're highly experienced in placing lifelike and long-lasting tooth implants into the mouths of patients with missing teeth. But one of the most frequent questions people ask us is can you have dental implants with receding gums?

In this post, we'll answer this in detail: Moreover, the answer may surprise you.

Receding gums and dental implants – Expelling the myth

When it comes to the question of receding gums and dental implants, many people are often misinformed.

Unfortunately, many patients are told that they are unsuitable for dental implant surgery because they have receding gums or bone loss. So instead, they continue to suffer unnecessarily with missing teeth or troublesome dentures.

In truth, patients can have dental implants if they have receding gums. The only stipulation may be that the problem must be dealt with first.

Of course, you may rack up extra costs and add more time to your treatment, but by the end of this initial phase of the process, you should still be able to undergo dental implant therapy.

So why does the problem of receding gums need to be dealt with first?

Simply put insufficient tissue and bone may not be enough to deliver true bone-to-implant stability once the implant is anchored into the jaw. Bone-to-implant strength is essential for implant success. Therefore, the issue of receding gums (and bone) needs to be resolved before implants can be successfully placed.

This doesn't mean that you won't ever be eligible. On the contrary, It simply means that the issue must be sorted before any implant surgery can occur.

What's the issue with gum recession and dental implants?

More often than not, receding gums are a symptom of something more problematic – advanced periodontal (gum) disease. Both natural teeth and dental implants can suffer at the hands of gum disease. For example, gum disease can weaken the implant's stability, causing it to become loose and eventually fail, just like a natural tooth. Receding gums only add to the problem as the once-supportive tissue begins to shrink away from the area resulting in poor conditions for implant anchorage.

The good news is that even in an advanced state, gum disease can be eliminated using several methods. These include trusted techniques like:

• Deep scaling
• Antibiotic therapy and
• Bone grafting

But in addition, advanced techniques such as

• Laser-guided tissue regeneration
• Pocket reduction surgery and
• Tissue stimulated proteins

can also be used to repair and grow gum.

But that's not all. There is growing evidence to support the fact that periodontal disease has broader health implications and is linked to very serious conditions like strokes, heart disease, diabetes and a whole host of other chronic illnesses.

So even if you are not in the market for dental implants right now, receding gums and periodontal (gum) disease should not be taken likely. 

Can you have dental implants with receding gums?

As you can see, the association between dental implants and receding gums isn't a particularly good one. Still, once the problem has been fixed and you have healthy bone and gum tissue, there’s no reason why you can't be a solid candidate for dental implant surgery.

In other words, however bad you think your gums and teeth may be, don't be put off seeking help because there is always something that an experienced dentist like Dr Akinwande can do to transform your smile.

Now we've discussed why having a healthy mouth is essential before dental implants are placed; what about after?

Do gum disease and receding gums affect dental implants once in position?

Despite the strength and stability of dental implants, they remain vulnerable to bacteria, just like natural teeth. While bacteria cannot destroy the implant or restoration, they will start to attack the supporting bone and tissue, even many years after placement.

For this reason, patients need to make a long-term commitment to ongoing brushing, flossing and regular dental visits throughout the life of a tooth implant. This could easily be for several decades or more.

A long-term commitment to looking after your implants should see you retain a healthy and long-lasting smile free from problems.

So there you have it!

Hopefully, we've answered whether you can have dental implants with receding gums and what you must do to keep your tooth implants healthy for many years.

If you are considering dental implants and are concerned about your gum health, we invite you to book a no-obligation consultation with Dr Akinwande and her team at Chesterfield Dentistry.

She will give you your treatment options and provide a personalized treatment plan with costs and overall timings. She will also answer any questions or concerns, allowing you to make a fully informed decision about what you want.

Want to know more?

Book a consultation online or call 314 936 3621 today! You'll be glad that you did.   

Photo attribution: image by ArtPhoto_Studio on Freepik