Gum disease can be painful and frustrating to deal with. There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Of the two, periodontitis is more severe, but both forms come with a set of side effects that can upset your daily life. Tooth loss is one of the worst side effects of periodontitis. If you’ve reached this stage of gum disease you might be wondering if dental implants are a good option.

Dental implants are synthetic teeth roots that are surgically placed into the jaw. The root is usually made out titanium, which is often used as a substitute for human bone in hip and knee surgeries. Once the implant is in place, a replacement tooth (either permanent or removable depending on the patient’s preference) is attached.

Replacing teeth can range from one tooth, several teeth or even all of them depending on the patient’s need. People who are missing several teeth might need a permanent bridge. A permanent bridge is a set of replacement teeth. A person who has lost all of their teeth might need a full bridge or full denture. A full bridge or denture can be permanently secured in their mouth with a tactical number of implants. Of course, consulting a dentist is the best way to figure out which option is best for you.

There are a few different situations that make a person a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are closely related to gum tissue and the bones in your mouth, so the first thing that dentists consider when deciding whether or not a person should get dental implants is their oral health. A person who has gum disease is not the best candidate for implants. In order for the implants to be effective you will need a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums.  

If you’re hoping to have dental implants, the first thing you should do is talk to your dentist. Even if implants are not the best option for you, there are different things you can talk to you dentist about that might be more beneficial. Your dentist will be able to explain the pros and cons of each solution and help to determine the best fit for you. If you are still trying to determine whether or not you have gum disease, please download our free eBook below: "7 Step Checklist to Determine if You Have Gum Disease."