Understanding gum disease
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues around your teeth, primarily caused by plaque buildup. If untreated, it can erode the bone that supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss and further health complications.
Periodontal disease is linked to bacteria that thrive in the periodontal ligament, the tissue that sits between the tooth and its socket. This means periodontal disease only affects natural teeth. Once a tooth is removed, the disease goes with it.
To read more, check out our blogs on What Causes Poor Oral Health and The Connection Between Oral Health and General Health.
Image: stages of gum disease
What if I have bone loss caused by periodontitis?
In some cases of severe periodontitis, the bone in the jaw may have eroded too much to support implants. This makes it crucial to catch and treat periodontitis early to increase the chances of a successful implant treatment.
At our clinic, we conduct thorough bone scans for all patients to determine their suitability for All-On-4 dental implants.
How All-on-4 dental implants improve oral health
If determined there is enough bone structure to support implants, the All-on-4 implant procedure offers a transformative solution for those with cases of periodontitis. During this procedure, all the teeth on the affected arch are removed, eliminating the periodontal disease entirely, as it cannot persist without natural teeth.
All-on-4 implants involve placing four strategically positioned implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This technique provides a stable, long-term solution, improving both dental function and overall oral health.
Key benefits of All-on-4 implants include:
- Easier maintenance and greater comfort compared to traditional dentures
- Healthy, natural-looking teeth
- Prevention of further bone loss and maintenance of jawbone density
- Potential reduction in facial wrinkles caused by bone loss
Can you get All-On-4 dental implants with gum disease?
Yes, All-on-4 can be a viable solution for individuals with gum disease, but only in some cases. Since periodontal disease affects only natural teeth, it is entirely removed during the All-on-4 procedure when the teeth are extracted.
However as mentioned, the extent of damage caused by the disease and the availability of sufficient bone to support the implants are critical factors on whether a person can go ahead with an All-on-4 procedure. There may be options for bone grafting in the case of bone loss, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
At Advanced Dental Artistry, we thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and bone structure using advanced diagnostic tools and scans to determine if you’re a candidate for All-on-4 implants. If necessary, we will address any oral health issues, such as bone loss, before proceeding with the implant procedure.
What’s involved in an All-on-4 dental consultation?
To determine your suitability for All-on-4 implants, especially if you have a history of gum disease, we conduct a comprehensive dental examination, which includes bone scans. This includes assessing the extent of periodontal damage, evaluating bone density, and ensuring overall oral health. We also make sure you are fully aware of the risks associated with All-on-4 so you are fully informed before your procedure.
Key factors we consider include:
- The severity of gum disease and its impact on bone structure
- Your overall health and readiness for oral surgery
- The potential for stabilising gum health before implant placement
Treatment planning and preparatory steps for All-on-4 implants
For patients with active gum disease, it’s crucial to treat the condition before undergoing the All-on-4 procedure. At Advanced Dental Artistry, we either provide periodontal treatment in-house or refer you to a trusted specialist to stabilise your gum health.
Key preparatory steps include:
- Periodontal treatment: Essential to manage and stabilise gum health. This may involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotic therapy, or other procedures to reduce infection and inflammation.
- Bone grafting (if needed): After stabilising gum health, we may perform bone grafting to ensure there is sufficient bone density for implant placement, providing a solid foundation for the implants and enhancing the chances of long-term success.
Aftercare: preventing peri-implantitis
After receiving All-on-4 dental implants, proper aftercare is crucial to prevent peri-implantitis, a condition that can develop if implants are not well-maintained. While peri-implantitis is not linked to periodontal disease, it is directly related to patient behaviour, particularly neglecting oral hygiene.
To help our patients avoid this condition, we place great emphasis on establishing good oral hygiene habits. This includes teaching patients how to clean their implants thoroughly and ensuring that their dental bridge is well-designed for ease of maintenance. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential for maintaining implant health and preventing any complications.
By following these guidelines and maintaining a consistent care routine, patients can enjoy the long-term success of their All-on-4 dental implants.
How to ensure long-term success with All-on-4 implants
After receiving All-on-4 implants, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial, especially for patients with a history of gum disease. Developing great habits and regular dental check-ups are vital to prevent peri-implantitis, a condition linked to poor oral hygiene rather than periodontal disease.
Tips for long-term success:
- Floss and brush your teeth regularly, paying special attention to the areas around your implants.
- Use water flossers to dislodge food particles trapped between your tooth bridge and gums.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings and check-ups to monitor implant stability and overall oral health.
Why choose Advanced Dental Artistry for Your All-on-4 procedure?
At Advanced Dental Artistry, our experienced team is skilled in managing complex cases, including those involving advanced gum disease. We use only the highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology to ensure you receive the best possible treatment.
Our personalised consultation process, combined with our meticulous attention to detail in implant design, ensures that your All-on-4 implants are perfectly tailored to your unique dental needs.
Schedule your consultation today
Choosing the right dentist for your All-on-4 procedure is critical for ensuring a successful outcome. With a proven track record of safe and effective dental procedures, our team, led by Dr. Adrian Kat, is here to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.
Contact us today to learn more about your eligibility for All-on-4 dental implants and take the first step toward restoring your smile.