Periodontal (gum) disease is a common problem, especially for older patients. With it often comes tooth loss, as healthy bone and gum tissue are gradually lost due to bacteria buildup. For a long time, this disease also made dental implants a very risky procedure, reducing a periodontal disease patient’s ability to find a secure tooth replacement after tooth loss. Thanks to recent advances in technology, however, it is now possible with get dental implants in Frisco even if you have had periodontal disease.
When you schedule an appointment with our office to discuss tooth replacement, we will begin by evaluating your oral health to determine your candidacy for dental implants. You are at a higher risk for dental implant failure after periodontal disease, but that doesn’t mean we have to completely rule out this option. After all, nothing replaces teeth more effectively than sturdy implant posts. And with an experienced implant dentist handling the case, like Dr. Zachary Carnow, you can feel confident that you are in excellent hands.
Dental Implants Can Work After Periodontitis
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed beneath the gum line. Here, each individual implant post replaces the root structure of a missing tooth. Dental implants require plenty of healthy jawbone tissue to successfully anchor — and this is what is missing in patients who have periodontal disease. Fortunately, a bone graft can add volume to the area to increase the likelihood that the dental implant posts successfully anchor to the jaw.
To perform a bone graft, healthy donor tissue is taken from elsewhere in the mouth (or sometimes from another part of the body) and placed in the area where it is lacking. A brief recovery period will often be required to allow the graft to “take” and for new bone tissue to grow. Once this process is complete, the dental implant can be inserted.
Teeth In a Day in Frisco is another option for patients who have lost all of their teeth as a result of periodontal disease. To learn about what’s possible with your smile, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carnow.
Gum Disease Management for Successful Dental Implants
It is important that steps have been taken to get the gum disease under control before the dental implant placement can occur. It’s a chronic disease, so periodontitis can never be “cured” — but with excellent hygiene and routine visits to your dentist, you can help to ensure that your dental implants stay sturdy and secure in your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Taking the steps to treat gum disease and create the proper environment for their success is important because it will help you enjoy the multitude of benefits offered by dental implants. Some of the most significant include:
- A natural-looking tooth replacement
- Helps you maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
- Allows you to speak with full confidence
- Avoid oral sores and discomfort from a non-implant supported denture
- The best investment you could make it tooth replacement!
Meet the Periodontist
Dr. Zachary Carnow is a board-certified periodontist in Frisco offering high-quality services, including All-on-4 dental implants. To learn more about this tooth replacement option or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact the office at 214-619-4990.