Can Dental Implant Patients Contract Gum Disease?

Tooth loss may seem like a worst case scenario for patients with advanced gum disease (periodontitis). However, the truth is that the disease can even prevent the success of your replacement teeth if not treated and controlled properly. Gum disease attacks the gums and jawbone that support your smile, eventually causing one or more teeth to fall out or require extraction. Even after teeth are lost, the inflammation associated with gum disease can continue to cause damage if not treated. Park Ridge general dentists, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas, specialize in replacing lost teeth and restoring patients’ ability to bite, chew, and smile confidently. They also have extensive experience treating advanced gum disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease begins with a phase called gingivitis (bacterial infection in your gums) which results from excessive plaque buildup. Plaque is made of over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria. As the infection sets in, your gums become red and swollen (inflamed), often bleeding when you brush your teeth. The rampant inflammation and toxins released by certain germs may cause your gum tissue to recede from your teeth, creating pockets that can hold more bacteria and accelerate the disease. Left untreated, gum disease can destroy your gums and the jawbone underneath until they can no longer support your teeth.

Gum Disease for Dental Implant Patients

Dental implants are small root devices that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the roots of your missing teeth. Once an implant is inserted, the jawbone begins fusing to its biocompatible titanium surface as it heals. Before implants can be placed, however, Dr. Loukas will ensure that your mouth is free of infection, especially if you’ve lost your teeth to gum disease. If not controlled, or if gum disease develops again after you’ve received your dental implants, then the infection can degrade your jawbone and cause the implant(s) to fail.

About Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas:

Whether you wish to protect your smile from dental disease and damage, or restore your smile after suffering tooth loss, we can help you regain your oral health and confidence through a new and improved smile. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative and cosmetic dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.