Dental Implants and Gum Health: Why Seeing a Periodontist First Matters
Dental implants have become one of the most trusted ways to replace missing teeth. They look natural, feel stable, and can last for many years if done properly. But while people often focus on the implant itself, what’s happening in the gums and bone around it is just as important.
Before getting dental implants, your gum health needs to be in good shape. That’s why many dentists recommend seeing a periodontist first — to make sure the foundation is strong enough to support the implant long-term.
Why Gum Health Can’t Be Ignored
The success of a dental implant depends on more than just placing a titanium screw into the jaw. The implant has to bond with the bone, and that process — known as osseointegration — needs healthy tissue around it. If the gums are infected or the bone isn’t thick enough, the implant might not heal properly. In some cases, it may even fail completely.
Gum disease, even in its early stages, can affect how well the implant heals. In advanced cases, where the bone has already been lost due to infection, the implant might not be possible without extra procedures. That’s where a Periodontist in Kiama can help. They’re trained to assess the condition of your gums and bone and recommend the right treatment before anything is placed.
What a Periodontist Does Before Implant Placement
A periodontist will begin with a full check of your gums, teeth, and jawbone. They’ll take scans or X-rays to see how much bone is available and whether it’s strong enough to hold the implant. If gum disease is present, it needs to be treated first. This might involve deep cleaning or, in more severe cases, gum surgery.
Sometimes, patients will need bone grafting to build up the area where the implant will go. This ensures the implant has a secure base and reduces the risk of failure later on. Bone grafting is something a general dentist may not offer, but a periodontist does regularly.
By getting your gum and bone health sorted early, you reduce the chances of infection after the implant and improve the odds of it lasting for years.
After the Implant: Ongoing Gum Care
Once the implant is placed and has healed, the work doesn’t stop there. Just like natural teeth, implants need healthy gums to stay stable. If the gums around the implant become infected — a condition known as peri-implantitis — it can lead to bone loss and even cause the implant to loosen or fall out.
A Periodontists in Kiama will not only handle the implant placement but also guide you on how to care for the area properly. This includes cleaning routines, check-ups, and making sure any early signs of infection are picked up and treated quickly.
Their ongoing care can help you avoid problems that may not show obvious symptoms until the implant is already in trouble.
When to Get a Specialist Opinion
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants and you’ve had gum issues in the past, it’s worth getting a specialist opinion before moving ahead. Even if your mouth feels fine, gum disease can still be active without causing pain.
By involving a periodontist from the start, you’ll have a clearer idea of what needs to be done, what’s possible, and how to get the best long-term results. Dental implants are a big decision, and taking the time to get the groundwork right can make all the difference.