A single diagnosis can completely change the treatment plan you had in mind. Many patients come to believe that the loss of one or more teeth will remain permanent after they find out that they suffer from periodontitis. Before you give up on this option, read to the end and find out under what conditions a dental implant can remain a suitable solution.
Why periodontitis does not automatically rule out a dental implant
The first thing the doctor looks for is the stage of the periodontal disease. If the infection is active, the gums bleed frequently, and the bone continues to recede, the insertion of an implant is delayed until the condition is controlled because the implant needs healthy tissue to integrate well.
After periodontal treatment and stabilization of the disease, many patients can benefit from a dental implant. The decision is based on imaging investigations, clinical examination and the amount of remaining bone, so it is worth making an appointment with periodontology in Bucharest.
What the doctor checks before inserting the implant
Before inserting the implant, the doctor analyzes the condition of the gums, the depth of the periodontal pockets, the mobility of the remaining teeth and the amount of available bone. In most cases, the evaluation is completed by a panoramic radiograph and a CBCT examination.
Based on the investigations, it is determined whether the implant can be inserted immediately or whether additional treatments are needed. Sometimes periodontal therapy is sufficient, and in other situations bone addition, the extraction of some teeth with a reserved prognosis or a few months of healing before the intervention are recommended.
The amount of bone makes a difference, but there are solutions
Periodontitis affects the bone that supports the teeth, and in advanced forms the losses can be significant, which is why many patients believe that the implant is no longer an option. Dentistry, however, has procedures that allow bone volume to be restored in numerous situations.
Bone augmentation and guided bone regeneration are frequently used prior to implant insertion. Depending on the complexity of the case, the healing period can vary between 4 and 9 months. The waiting time seems long, but each stage is aimed at obtaining a stable base for the implant and reducing the risk of complications.
Is there a higher risk of complications?
Patients who have had periodontitis have a higher risk of peri-implantitis compared to people without periodontal history. Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the tissues around the implant and can cause bone loss if not treated in time.
The risk can be considerably reduced by regular check-ups and careful oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, using interdental brushes, professional hygiene performed approximately every 6 months and following the doctor’s recommendations help preserve the implant for many years.
What influences long-term treatment success
The success of an implant does not depend exclusively on the surgical intervention because smoking, unbalanced diabetes, poor oral hygiene and the lack of periodic check-ups can lead to tooth sensitivity and influence the evolution of the treatment even when the intervention went without problems.
Equally important is the collaboration between the patient and the doctor. Adhering to the treatment plan, attending the recommended consultations and treating any inflammation in time greatly increase the chances that the implant will remain functional for decades.
When is the right time for the implant?
Many patients wish to insert the implant immediately after extraction, but this is not always possible in the presence of periodontitis. The doctor determines the time of the intervention after the disease is controlled and the tissues have reached a state favorable to healing.
Rushing can compromise the entire treatment, which is why each stage has its purpose. Complete evaluation, treatment of the infection and choosing the right time increase the chances of a correct integration and a result that will last for many years.
If you have received this diagnosis and have lost one or more teeth, schedule a consultation at a dental clinic and find out what the right steps are for your situation.
