Dental implants have become popular today and function effectively as a replacement for missing teeth. These types of implants are famous because of their long-lasting nature and desire to restore things naturally. There is an increasing concern that dental implants can cause gum problems. To understand this better, let us look first at the definition of dental implants, gum disease, and whether dental implants can be responsible for gum disease.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. The most common material is titanium, biocompatible with the human body. These materials give more substantial and durable prosthetic teeth support than dentures or bridges. Other than that, implants are a permanent solution embedded into the jawbone after successful surgical treatment. After the healing period, a crown is put on to enhance oral functions.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal or gum disease is common and severe as it affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It happens when plaque or bacteria builds up on the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed correctly, the bacteria can cause inflammation and infection, leading to gum disease.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease that results in red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is generally mild and easily treatable by practicing proper oral hygiene.
Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to more severe gum disease before tooth loss occurs. This is when the infection extends into deeper parts of the gums and bone.
Gum disease mainly occurs due to the depletion of oral hygiene levels, which may increase the risk of gum disease. These include smoking, family history, other medical conditions, and wearing dentures.
Do Implants Cause Gum Disease?
Dental implants do not usually cause gum disease. However, the poor care or upkeep of the implants does have some effects that often equate to gum disease.
Dental implants may be better for oral care than traditional bridges and dentures, as they do not pressure or load adjacent teeth to the same extent. Some considerations around gum disease and dental implants are listed below.
Poor oral hygiene. Plaque buildup can occur if one doesn't practice oral hygiene around implants like other natural teeth. This may cause inflammation of the gums surrounding the implant, forming a disease called peri-implantitis.
Smoking: Frequent smoking impairs the healing mechanism and reduces blood flow in the gums, thus making it hard for a body to fight infections.
Poorly placed implants: The gum tissues can be mechanically irritated if a dental implant is incorrectly placed. This favors bacteria, which leads to an increased risk of gum infection.
Lack of regular checkups: Any implant procedure will require routine check-ups afterward. With regular check-ups, a dentist can monitor the implant and gum tissues frequently.
Conclusion
Dental implants are not directly related to gum diseases. Still, if they are not adequately cared for and maintained, there can be problems associated with gum diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene, which requires maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, visiting dental checkups regularly, and following the dentist's guidelines. Visit the World of Dentistry to get personalized care for your dental health.