Dental implants in Ajax are an effective and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. Treatment is versatile, replacing single or multiple missing teeth. We can even replace an entire arch of missing teeth with a dental implant bridge or implant-supported denture.
What Are Dental Implants?
Implants are small screws made from titanium alloy or zirconia. The screws are inserted surgically into the jawbone. Over several months, the screws become fused in the bone during the process called osseointegration. Once fused, they provide a strong anchorage point for new teeth to be attached.
However, for dental implants to be successful, you must have reasonable dental health, and that includes strong, healthy gums.
One common cause of tooth loss is advanced periodontal disease in Whitby, a condition also called gum disease. It initially affects the gums, causing inflammation and infection.
Before long, it spreads to the jawbone and periodontal ligaments that anchor teeth in their sockets. Without treatment, teeth become loose and must be extracted.
Why Is Gum Health so Important?
If you wish to have dental implants in Pickering, then your implants require a strong, healthy bone with which to integrate. They need a solid base consisting of a specific amount of jawbone so they can become firmly fused in position.
If you have signs of gum disease, dental implants may not initially be the right solution.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?
One of the most common symptoms is bleeding gums, or noticing your teeth look longer than before due to gum recession in Oshawa. The easiest way to tell for sure is to book an appointment with our friendly dental team at Durham Dental Solutions.
We can soon assess your gum health and review your medical health to determine if you have gum disease and how this may affect dental implants in Newcastle.
What to Expect When You Have a Dental Implant Evaluation
Diagnosing any signs of gum disease will not take long. A small periodontal probe measures the depth of the gap between your gums and existing natural teeth. When you have healthy gums, the gap should be no more than 3 mm. Anything in excess could indicate gum disease.
Digital dental x-rays show the bone levels around your teeth. A cone beam CT scan provides a 3-D view of any existing teeth and your jaws, allowing our dental implant dentist in Brooklin to quantify how much bone is available for implants.
Can I Still Have Implants If I Have Gum Disease?
Any signs of gum disease must be treated before implant surgery. We will want to ensure your gums and the bone that surrounds your implants are strong and healthy, setting you up for long-term success.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
It all depends on its severity. If you have mild gum disease, called gingivitis, cleaning your teeth professionally and improving your daily oral care routine might be all that is needed.
When gum disease is more severe, you may have your gums and any tooth roots exposed due to gum recession, deep cleaned with a process called scaling and root planing. Sometimes, laser dentistry is used to help eliminate the infection more effectively.
More severe gum disease may require extensive treatment such as bone grafting and gum grafting to restore tissues destroyed by periodontal disease.
Additionally, after receiving treatment for gum disease, it’s crucial to commit to ongoing oral care once you receive your dental implants in Bowmanville. A good oral hygiene routine, combining proper oral care at home and regular preventative professional dentistry, is essential to maintain strong and healthy implants.
