Receding gums can make it difficult to get dental implants, but they can be treated and implanted. It is important to have strong and healthy gums to achieve a successful outcome for dental implants. Even if your gums have receded, implants can be applied in most cases. However, since each individual's situation is different, you should be evaluated by an experienced dentist to make a definitive decision.
There are various treatment options to improve the health of your gums. Strengthening and restoring your gums to a healthy state with these treatments increases the chances of implant success. This process is an important step in helping you understand whether you are a candidate for dental implants. Since the condition of your gums can affect your treatment process, it is important to develop your treatment plan with a specialist dentist.
What are receding gums?
Gum recession is the periodontal movement of the gums away from the teeth and pulling back. This causes more of the tooth to be exposed and usually results in the gums losing their protective function. The healthy structure of the gums protects the teeth and roots by surrounding them and prevents bacteria from reaching the roots. However, when the gums recede, this space can lead to the accumulation of harmful bacteria and, if left untreated, can damage the tissue and bone that the teeth support, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
How do you know if you have receding gums?
Gum recession is a problem that usually develops gradually and is not recognised at first. However, there are some obvious signs of gum recession. Paying attention to these signs is important for early intervention. Here are some warning signs that will help you realise that your gums are receding:
- Tooth sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or sweet foods may indicate receding gums.
- Teeth appearing longer: If your teeth appear longer than normal, it may be a sign that your gums are receding.
- Bleeding or inflammation: Bleeding or inflammation of your gums may indicate the onset of gum disease.
- Bad taste in your mouth: You may have a bad taste in your mouth due to inflammation of the gums.
- Gaps between the teeth and gums: The formation of significant gaps between your teeth and gums is a sign of receding gums.
What causes receding gums?
There are several causes of receding gums, and this can negatively affect oral health
Gum disease
One of the most common causes is gum disease, which develops as a result of plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. This disease damages the gums and can lead to bone loss over time.
Poor oral hygiene
Another important cause of receding gums is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to gum inflammation and disease. In addition, aggressive brushing can also traumatize the gums and cause them to recede. Brushing your teeth too hard or using the wrong technique can cause the gums to recede.
Smoking
Smoking is another factor that negatively affects gum health, as smoking can hinder the healing process of the gums.
Genetic predisposition
Another risk factor is genetic predisposition; some people are more prone to gum disease.
Bruxism
Bruxism puts extra pressure on the teeth and gums, which can lead to recession.
Other causes
Hormonal changes, especially in women, can negatively affect gum health, and this risk increases even more during periods such as pregnancy. Finally, vitamin B12 deficiency is also a factor that affects gum health.
Can you still get dental implants with receding gums?
When your gums recede, whether or not you can get a dental implant usually depends on several factors. In this case, the health of your gums and the condition of your jawbone are of great importance. If you have receding gums and severe gum disease, this disease will need to be treated before you can get an implant. Your dentist will perform tests such as X-rays to check the health of your jawbone to see if there is bone loss.
If you have bone loss in your jawbone, bone grafting can be done to restore the lost bone. This procedure provides a solid foundation for the successful placement of a dental implant screw. Receding gums can sometimes make the process of getting a dental implant difficult, but with good oral hygiene and expert treatment, successful implant treatment is possible.
Is there any risk of having a dental implant with receding gums?
People with receding gums should consider some important factors before getting a dental implant. Healthy gums provide the necessary support for the implant screw to fuse securely with the jawbone. Therefore, gum recession can increase the risk of implant treatment failure. In such a case, your treatment process returns to the beginning with treatment costs and loss of time.
As a result, if you have gum recession, meticulous preparation and evaluation by your doctor are essential for a successful implant treatment.
Effective solutions for receding gums
Receding gums are usually a symptom of an underlying problem, and treatment requires identifying and eliminating the cause first. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of receding gums. In this case, the plaque around the gums needs to be cleaned and treated. Nonsurgical methods such as scaling and root planing can be used to treat gum disease. In addition, antibiotic treatment may be recommended in some cases. In more advanced cases, gum pocket reduction surgery can be performed.
Another common cause is bruxism. Mouth guards are usually preferred in the treatment of this condition. Misalignment of the teeth can also lead to receding gums. Treating crooked teeth can help prevent gum disease. Treatment options such as Invisalign are one of the effective ways to straighten your teeth.
After the underlying problem is treated in the treatment of receding gums, various methods can be applied to improve the appearance of receding gums. Gum masks or crowns are used to hide receding gums. However, gum grafting is usually the most effective option for this type of treatment. A gum graft aims to cover the receding gum with tissue taken from a healthy gum. This procedure helps to prevent future receding gums by increasing the strength of the gums.
Are there alternatives if I am not a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are not a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist will inform you about alternative treatment options such as dental bridges or dentures to replace your missing tooth.
How do I care for my dental implants if I have receding gums?
Gum recession can make it difficult to care for dental implants, but with the right care, implants can be kept long-lasting and healthy. The first step is to follow the special brushing techniques recommended by your dentist and floss regularly. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums.
To prevent plaque build-up around dental implants, it is important to have professional cleanings at your dental clinic on a regular basis. In this way, you can protect your dental implants and gums and keep them in the best condition in a healthy way.