Whether you decide to have dental implants in Richmond or anywhere else in the country, you may be aware that in order for the implantation process to succeed, you’ll need to maintain good oral health. One of the signs that oral health isn’t as it should be is gingivitis. But what exactly is it?
In essence it is an inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque. Although it’s classed as the initial stages of gum disease, it’s relatively easy to treat. Plaque is a soft, colourless, sticky film that constantly attached itself to the teeth and gums. If the plaque is allowed to build-up it can release toxins which irritate the gum causing gingivitis.
Classic symptoms of gingivitis are tender gums that are red and swollen. You may also see signs of blood when you brush your teeth. In addition gingivitis affected gums can also appear receded giving the impression of elongated teeth.
If you suffer from gingivitis it doesn’t mean to say that you can’t have treatment for dental implants. In Richmond for example here at Sheen Dental we give all our patients a thorough oral inspection as part of the implantation process and as a result, if you do show early signs of gum disease, then we will treat this first of all as part of your overall treatment plan.
How is it treated?
By having your teeth professionally cleaned it’s possible to remove much of the plaque and tartar build up that may have occurred over time. In addition antibacterial mouth washes may well be recommended to reduce any gum swelling that may or may not occur.
So why is it important to treat it early?
If left gingivitis can turn into perodontitis which can cause more permanent damage to your teeth and jaw. When this happens the bone tissue weakens and as a result you may not have sufficient or healthy enough bone mass to take a dental implant. Again, if you do suffer from weakened bone then it’s possible to undergo a bone graft procedure. This a a process that takes bone from one part of the body, or alternatively from a bone bank and is then grafted onto the weakened area in order to build up the bone mass or density. Once built up and healthy, the implant can then be secured into the new bone area. However, it’s worth noting that this is a procedure that has to take precedence before you can undergo treatment for dental implants.
If you want to find out more about gum disease and how it can affect your chances of a dental implant in Richmond or alternatively, would like to know any other information regarding the procedure itself, then contact us on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk