Receding Gums: Can I Still Get Dental Implants?

If you’ve noticed your gums pulling back or your teeth looking longer than before, you’re not alone. Gum recession is a common issue, and if you’ve also lost teeth, you might be wondering if you can still get dental implants.

The short answer is often, “yes!” But the long answer depends on a few important details, primarily how much your gums and jawbone have changed over time.

Severity of the Gum Recession

Not all gum recession is the same. A mild recession might just make your smile look a bit uneven, but severe recession can expose tooth roots, cause sensitivity, and even affect the bone that supports your teeth.

When the recession is more advanced, there’s usually bone loss underneath. Since implants require strong bone for stability, this aspect matters a great deal. The good news? Even with gum and bone loss, modern techniques can rebuild these tissues before implant placement.

Periodontal Disease: Treating It First

Most gum recession starts with periodontal (gum) disease, an infection that damages the tissues holding your teeth in place. If gum disease is still active, it must be treated before implants are considered.

Treatment might include:

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria and tartar
• Antibiotic therapy to reduce infection
• Laser treatment for precise cleaning and faster healing

Once your gums are healthy and stable, we can discuss rebuilding lost tissue and planning for dental implants.

Addressing Receding Gums

When gum recession is significant, the next step is often gum grafting. We reinforce or rebuild the soft tissue around your teeth or the future implant site, protecting the roots and creating a strong foundation for implant placement.

Tissue Grafting Methods

There are several grafting options available, depending on your specific needs. We can discuss which option is best for your needs at your initial consultation:

• Connective tissue grafts: This is the most commonly used method. A small piece of tissue is taken from under the surface of your palate and attached where gums have receded. We typically use this when gum recession is more severe.
• Free gingival grafts: We use a thin layer of tissue (also from your palate), which we directly apply to the receded area to thicken the gum line. This provides aesthetically pleasing results and is less invasive, but is best reserved for minimal gum recession.
• Donor or synthetic grafts: For patients who prefer not to use their own tissue, high-quality donor or lab-made grafts can work beautifully.

These procedures not only restore a natural gumline but also create a healthier, more stable environment for implants.

Why Treating Receding Gums Is Crucial to Implant Success

Healthy gums are more than just cosmetic. They are crucial to maintaining the long-term stability of dental implants. Here’s why fixing gum recession matters before implant surgery:

Preventing Exposure of Implants

Without enough gum tissue, the top of an implant or its metal components can become visible over time. Grafting prevents that exposure and helps your smile look natural.

Stability of Implants

Gums and bone work together to hold implants steady. When both are healthy and well-supported, implants stay secure and comfortable.

Preventing Implant Failure

Untreated gum recession can invite bacteria, inflammation, and infection around the implant, eventually leading to its failure. Strengthening your gums before placing implants helps protect both implant stability and your long-term oral health.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Implants

If you’re dealing with gum recession but love the idea of dental implants, you aren’t necessarily out of luck. With the right treatment plan, starting with gum and bone restoration, you can still achieve a strong, beautiful smile.

If you suspect your gums are receding and are considering implants, it’s time to contact Pasqual OMS at Pasqual Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 561-900-9080 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Pasqual will personally evaluate your gums and jawbone, making a recommendation for a treatment plan that will result in a beautiful set of dental implants and a healthy, attractive smile. \