How to Get an Implant if Your Gums Have Sunken In?

So, you're considering dental implants but worried because your gums have receded. This is a valid concern, and many people wonder how to get an implant if your gums have sunken in. This article will explore the possibilities and what you can expect, covering everything from the causes of gum recession to the treatments that will prepare you for successful implant placement.

Understanding Gum Recession

• Understanding Gum Recession
  • Causes of Gum Recession
  • Impact on Dental Implants
• How to Get an Implant if Your Gums Have Sunken In
  • Assessing Your Situation
  • Treatment Options for Receding Gums
  • The Implant Procedure
• Maintaining Your Implants and Gums
• Conclusion

Understanding Gum Recession

Gum recession is when your gum tissue pulls back from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes even the tooth root. This can occur for various reasons, impacting your oral health and potentially leading to tooth loss.

Causes of Gum Recession

Periodontal gum disease, often caused by poor oral hygiene, is a leading cause of receding gums. Other factors include aggressive brushing, teeth grinding, hormone fluctuations, genetics, or a misaligned bite. Left untreated, gum recession can worsen and lead to complications.

Impact on Dental Implants

Healthy gums are essential for successful dental implants. They provide the necessary support and stability for the implant to fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration). Receding gums compromise this stability and often require pre-implant treatments like pocket reduction surgery for successful, long-term tooth replacement.

How to Get an Implant if Your Gums Have Sunken In

It’s entirely possible to get an implant even with receding gums using appropriate treatments. Schedule a consultation with a dentist to assess your situation, discuss treatment options for receding gums, and create a plan of action for you. Discuss potential issues with implant failure with your dentist as part of treatment.

Assessing Your Situation

The first step involves a thorough dental examination. This will evaluate the extent of the recession, assess your oral health, and determine your bone density. This helps dentists determine if bone grafting will be necessary. A root canal may also be required depending on the condition of your remaining teeth.

Treatment Options for Receding Gums

Several treatments can revitalize your gums before implants. These options range from non-surgical periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing, to more advanced cases requiring surgery, such as those done through sedation dentistry.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth (often the palate) or using donor tissue. This is then grafted onto the receded areas to rebuild the gum tissue. This covers exposed tooth roots, improving aesthetics and preparing the gums for an implant procedure. Healthy gum tissue and oral hygiene will support the new dental implant placement and create healthy gums.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration uses a membrane between the gum tissue and bone. This membrane directs the body's cells to regenerate lost gum and bone tissue, creating a firmer foundation for implants.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique is a less invasive method. Small incisions are made, and special instruments reposition existing gum tissue to cover the receding area. This avoids the need for cutting and stitching required in traditional grafting. Proper oral care after this procedure will also help ensure a tooth root and the surrounding area is free of tooth decay, or other issues that may lead to the need of another root canal.

The Implant Procedure

Once your gums are healthy, the implant process can begin. This usually involves several stages.

1. Placement of the implant: A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone.
2. Osseointegration: The implant fuses with the bone over time. Replace missing teeth once the area is ready.
3. Abutment placement: A connector called an abutment is placed on the implant.
4. Crown attachment: A custom-made crown is attached to the abutment, serving as your replacement tooth. Removing plaque can also improve the results by creating a cleaner space, so having an oral hygiene routine that complements tooth replacement can be beneficial. Remove plaque from all surfaces of teeth and tongue during oral hygiene to maintain healthy gums and tooth roots.

Maintaining Your Implants and Gums

Maintaining good oral hygiene after implant treatment is crucial for the long-term success of your implants. Proper brushing, flossing, and routine exams are necessary to prevent issues and keep gums healthy. Having healthy gums and addressing bleeding gums helps maintain long-term results. Having a poor oral hygiene can lead to the gums receding, resulting in a poor oral health overall.

Conclusion

So, how do you get an implant if your gums have sunken in? With advancements in dentistry, gum recession does not have to be a barrier to dental implants. Various treatments, including bone grafts, can rebuild your gums and create a healthy foundation for implants. Consulting with a dentist will help you understand your options, such as a root canal therapy, tooth extraction or treating gum disease. They will help create a personalized plan to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.