As one of the more complex chronic oral health issues, gum disease (or periodontal disease) affects virtually every aspect of your oral health. For instance, severe gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, as well as a leading risk factor for other chronic inflammatory conditions. If you’ve lost teeth to gum disease, then the state of your periodontal health can also influence your immediate candidacy for replacing them with dental implants.

Tooth Loss Due to Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that stems from an infection in your gums. The beginning stage of the infection, known as gingivitis, develops when harmful oral microbes work their way underneath your gum tissues. In later stages, periodontal disease can destroy these tissues and eventually begin to erode the jawbone structure underneath it. Together, your periodontal tissues and jawbone make up the majority of your teeth’s supportive structures. When they’re compromised, it can make you more likely to lose one or more teeth due to the lack of sufficient support.

Why Healthy Gums Matter to Your Implants

While periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, dental implants are the leading option for replacing lost teeth. That’s because the lifelike implant posts are inserted into the jawbone, allowing them to reestablish the functions of your teeth roots that help keep your jawbone healthy. However, because they rely on the strength of your gums and jawbone, dental implants can only be placed once gum disease has been brought under control and your healthy gums and jawbone structure have been restored.

Get Ready for Dental Implants by Controlling Your Gum Disease

As the leading cause of adult tooth loss, periodontal disease can significantly erode your jawbone structure as well as your periodontal tissues. This makes the disease detrimental to the success of your dental implants, as well. To learn how to prepare for implants by treating your gum disease, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.