Periodontal disease is a silent disease that plagues many. In the United States, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) reports that three out of four Americans have varying degrees of gum disease, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis.
In its early stages, periodontal disease is treatable through antibiotics and preventive oral care, like flossing and brushing. The goal is to prevent it from progressing to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that results in the formation of periodontal pockets and eventual tooth loss.
In cases where tooth loss does occur, a patient still has a chance to recover his or her smile. Midjersey Smiles offers a solution in Old Bridge, New Jersey: getting dental implants.
Tooth Loss and the Path to Recovery
Massive tooth loss becomes a speech impediment because of two things. First, the patient becomes self-conscious and will open his or her mouth minimally. Second, the absence of teeth affects the clarity of speech and makes certain intonations and pronunciations sound different. Moreover, even a single lost tooth can make chewing uncomfortable and at times painful.
Dental implants solve these problems, making them an important part of periodontitis treatment. Dentists recommend teeth implants only after the gum disease has abated, however. Otherwise, the chances are high that the implants will fail and prolong gum infection.
Assuming that treatment is over and the gums no longer manifest signs of the disease like bleeding and swelling, a patient will be able to start the process. They are, after all, not just for aesthetics but also for restoring full dental function.
Bone Loss Prevention
Dental implants prevent bone loss, another purpose that serves periodontitis patients well.
An implant consists of a dental crown, an abutment, and a metal implant (often titanium) that fills the gap where a tooth’s root should be. The implant screws directly into the jawbone and provides the stimulation that the latter needs to stay strong. Over time, the implant integrates into the bone and prevents it from collapsing, maintaining its density and reducing the possibility of other complications from forming in the nerves and gums.
Treatment Requirements
Not everyone who suffers from tooth loss can enjoy the benefits of dental implants, though. Like with many dental treatments, dentists must first evaluate if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure. They examine bone mass, gum health, overall health, and lifestyle. Smoking, drinking, systemic problems, and chronic diseases reduce a person’s chances of qualifying for implantation.
Patients who suffered severe bone loss (likely as a result bacteria from gum disease eating away at the underlying jawbone) are unlikely to qualify, too. They will have to explore other long-term solutions with their dentists.
In the last half-century, dental implants have proven to be one of the most significant advancements in dental treatment history. They provide permanent solutions to situations that are otherwise untreatable. More importantly, they change people’s lives for the better.
Whether you’re recovering from periodontitis or still in its early stages of treatment, you need to find a trustworthy and experienced dentist who can treat you fully. Midjersey Smiles can be the clinic for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
