When you are looking for a way to replace missing teeth, it seems that oral implants are the best option for many people.
They are sturdy, aesthetically pleasing and offer patients a more comfortable alternative to dentures and bridges. Affixed to the jawbone, they cannot move and thus cannot cause sores, ulcers or hot spots along the gum line. Fantastic!
But, as is the way with all types of surgery, there is a list of requirements or criteria that patients have to meet in order to be suitable for oral implants. In this article, these are going to be explored; specifically, the importance of healthy gums when you are considering having oral implants fitted in order to secure longevity.
But why are healthy gums so important when it comes to having dental implants Melbourne?
Read on to find out!
Healthy versus unhealthy gums
If you have never suffered from gum disease, you may not understand why healthy gums are important for supporting restoratives like oral implants.
Firstly, healthy gums are needed as they do not cause recession of the gum line; in unhealthy gum lines, a receding gum line can cause teeth to wobble and in extreme cases, it can also extend to the jawbone. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth movement and loss, which is not what you want when you are having oral implants.
Gum disease and its impact
Unhealthy gums can cause your natural teeth to fall out if they are left untreated. And if you are approaching your dentist to have oral implants fitted, gum condition is one of the first things that they will check for. If you have had gum disease in the past, then they usually will advise you on how to prevent recurrence, especially if it has been serious enough to cause issues with pocket depth, recession and bone loss.
If you have an active case of gum disease, then your dentist will obviously need to treat it before going forward with any restorative procedures including oral implants
Treatment options
If your dentist notices that you have an active case of gum disease, then they are likely to offer you a scale and polish; this will remove the excess plaque and will help to reduce the irritation to the surrounding gum that has been caused by it.
In other instances, they will provide you with an antibacterial mouthwash, to prevent the accumulation of gum disease causing bacteria.
Prevention
In order to keep your oral implants in your mouth, you need to take active steps to prevent gum disease; this may involve more regular trips to your local hygienist, along with medicated mouthwashes and lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking.
Another way you can prevent the recurrence of gum disease is by upping your oral hygiene regime; this may involve using mouthwashes after every meal, brushing your teeth more regularly and by using toothpastes with antibacterial properties. If you aren’t sure which toothpaste is the best for preventing gum disease, talk to your dentist.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
