Periodontal disease or gum disease can greatly affect the health of a person’s mouth and gum. When left untreated or addressed too late, gum disease can progress from the deterioration of gums on to the deterioration of the supporting bone structure, which can then lead to tooth loss or gum recession. What most people don’t know is that gum disease is most often preventable if the person has impeccable oral hygiene habits. Brushing the teeth, flossing daily, swishing with mouthwash, and seeing a dentist regularly are some of the simplest ways to prevent the onset of gum disease.
When Dental Implants Are Needed
For patients who have gum disease or have already lost one or more teeth to the disease, dentists recommend getting dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw. It is then covered with replacement tooth or teeth, usually a crown or a bridge. Dentists recommend this procedure to qualified patients because the replacement tooth or teeth look and function much like natural teeth.
Qualifying for Dental Implants
Before a patient can receive dental implants, his dentist will have to determine if he is a candidate for the procedure. The dentist will have to consider not just the patient’s oral health but his general health and habits as well. Factors such as smoking, alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, and cancer are important factors used in determining whether or not the implants will fuse to the jaw bone. Additionally, the patient needs to have healthy gum tissues and have adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. In some cases, additional gum tissue surgery may be recommended to supplement unhealthy gums.
Sources:
PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE, perio.org
DENTAL IMPLANTS, perio.org
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