Gum Recession and Dental Implants

Gum recession occurs when the gums recede or shrink down to expose more of the tooth root. Receding gums can be an aesthetic threat as well as a culprit to tooth sensitivity. While not all gum recession is cause for alarm, if you are getting dental implants, the issue needs to be addressed before your implant surgery.

Dental implants involve a titanium screw or post that is surgically placed within the jaw bone. It is critical that you have healthy bone and surrounding tissues to encourage the implant to form a firm foundation for your crown, bridge or denture that will be placed on top. If gum recession is allowed to remain or progress after an implant is placed, the patient is at risk for a loose or unstable prosthetic tooth. In turn, any healthy teeth that are surrounding the implant may also be subject to dental issues.

Don’t worry; if you have receding gums, you can still get dental implants. However, you’ll need to work with your dentist to restore your gums first. Many patients benefit from tissue grafting, a simple procedure that can rebuild lost gum tissue before getting a dental implant. A skilled implant dentist may also choose to perform a bone grafting alongside tissue grafting to provide a firmer foundation for the implant. A bone graft is used to reinforce the implant post, while a gum or tissue graft can successfully improve the coverage and protection of the implant and provide a support system for the crown restoration on top. Of course, if your receding gums is caused by gum disease, you’ll need to get proper periodontal therapy and treat the gum infection before getting an implant.

If you are questioning whether or not the condition of your gums is adequate for dental implants, talk to Dr. Wayne Suway. He is a reputable implants dentist in Marietta who can not only place your implants, but perform the necessary grafting procedures before your implant surgery to repair your receding gums.