Given that nearly half of adults over age 30 have gum disease, it’s safe to say that it’s one of today’s most common oral health concerns. If you’re one of the tens of millions of adults with gum disease and looking to restore damaged teeth with dental implants, you may be worried about how your gums could impact the procedure.
We’re here to assuage this worry by clarifying your tooth restoration options with gum disease.
Dental Implants with Gum Disease
Let’s begin with the good news: Most people with gum disease are still candidates for dental implants. Having gum disease doesn’t inherently disqualify you from getting implants.
However, gum disease must be effectively treated and managed before the dental implants can be placed. Treatment options include:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing give your mouth a deep clean. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing the tooth roots to promote gum reattachment. It’s the primary treatment for gum disease, as it cleans more deeply than a typical dental cleaning and helps get bacteria under control.
Surgery
In many advanced gum disease cases, scaling and root planing may not effectively manage the condition. At this point, your dentist may recommend gum surgery before you undergo dental implant placement.
Conventional periodontal surgery isn’t the only option to get gum disease under control. Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP, is an innovative option that can successfully treat diseased gum tissue without scalpels or sutures. The FDA-cleared procedure uses laser technology to sterilize the infected gums, eliminate bacteria, and help healthy gum tissue reattach to the teeth.
LANAP is typically performed over two office visits, alongside traditional scaling and root planning. If you’re interested in dental implants but suffering from symptoms of gum disease, Dr. Tadros at Dental Implant Solutionz can determine if LANAP is right for you. Schedule your appointment today!
