Yes, you can often get dental implants with receding gums, but it depends on the severity; you must first treat underlying gum disease, ensure sufficient bone, and may need procedures like gum grafting or bone grafting to build up healthy tissue for support and aesthetics before or during the implant process. A dentist must stabilize your gum health and confirm adequate jawbone for a successful outcome, as active gum disease and thin tissue can lead to implant failure.
To receive a dental implant after having receding gums, your dentist must be able to confirm that there is no lasting permanent damage below the gum and can do so with an x-ray. If your results come back positive and you have managed to stop your gums receding any further, then you may be eligible for dental implants.
People with gingivitis, periodontist or any other form of gum disease cannot have dental implants. This is because this condition destroys the gums and the bone beneath. As a result, too much bone loss leads to lack of sufficient bone for the implant to attach.
option 1: gum recession surgical treatment (known as pinhole™ technique). It is the most modern and painless way for treating gum recession. Pinhole™ is a minimal, invasive–surgical procedure that does not require the use of grafting, scalpels, or sutures.
If your dentist notices that you have mild gum recession, they may try some nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics or dental bonding. If you have moderate to severe gum recession, they'll likely refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon for a gum grafting consultation.
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When the bone supporting teeth has diminished significantly, grafts may not hold. Teeth may become loose or shift, further complicating treatment. Visible root surfaces that have become worn, decayed, or sensitive for long periods might not benefit fully from grafting.
WHAT IS PST™? The Pinhole Surgical Technique PST™ is a procedure in which Dr. Nasr uses specialized instruments to make a small hole in your gum and add collagen material to stabilize the area of gum recession. This new method is simple, suture-free and minimally invasive.
Gum grafting may cause some discomfort, but much pain is not usual. Soreness typically subsides within several days; furthermore, a complete recovery occurs during the subsequent weeks, assuming ample care is taken.
Gum grafts can cost anywhere from $2,120 to $4,982 per area, depending on various factors.
Individuals with certain health conditions, poor oral hygiene, insufficient bone density or volume in the jaw, and those taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. It's essential to consult with a dental professional to determine if you're eligible.
The 3/2 rule for dental implants is a guideline for proper implant placement, ensuring biological stability and aesthetics, generally meaning 3 millimeters of bone above the implant (below the gum line for proper tissue formation) and 2 millimeters of bone/soft tissue to the side (buccal/facial) for healthy tissue and restoration support, preventing issues like black triangles or implant failure. It helps ensure adequate blood supply and space for the bone and gum to remain healthy around the implant.
While the surgery is not painful, some dental implant pain or soreness afterward is expected. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, or implant discomfort for three to seven days, with the worst symptoms usually in the first 48 hours.
There should not be any periodontal disease as they weaken the gums and the appliance. If gums have shrunk or receded from their usual position, placing the implants could also pose a problem. Gum recession is usually due to gum disease.
Dental Implants Treatment Has No Upper Age Limit
Tooth loss is a common problem with age. Fortunately, there is no upper age limit for receiving dental implants. Patients in their 60s are often excellent candidates for dental implants but so are many patients over 70.
Gum grafting protects exposed roots and restores your gum health. But that's not all. It can improve the look of your smile and boost your self-confidence. It's a small procedure that makes a big difference, functionally and cosmetically.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are famous for being one of the most feared dental procedures. The treatment involves removing infected pulp from inside the tooth to save it from extraction. Why It Hurts: Infection or inflammation in the tooth can amplify pain.
A bone graft is likely to cause slightly more irritation compared to an implant based on the location of the bone grafting therapy. If, for instance, a sinus lift is to be performed within the upper jaw, it usually takes longer for the area of the bone graft to heal than the dental implant does.
The procedure will be a gum graft. The dentist will harvest healthy gum tissue and then attach the tissue to the exposed dental roots. Once the area heals, there will be a reduction of symptoms. This surgery will also stop the recession from worsening.
Although not all dental insurance plans cover gum grafting or dental implants, some may provide partial coverage for these procedures, especially if they are deemed medically necessary.
It may be difficult to properly cover the exposed roots and the risk of failure will be higher. You will also have an increased risk of complications like pain, infection and delayed healing. If you think you might benefit from a gum graft, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Generally, it may take several years for gum disease to result in tooth loss, but with early detection and regular dental check-ups, this process can be halted and tooth loss can be prevented. Without treatment, loose and falling teeth become inevitable.
Although it might sound scary, a variety of gum grafting procedures are routinely performed by periodontists (specialists in the area of gingival tissue), and by some general dentists with specialized training in this field.