Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?

Posted on: June 6, 2019

Gum disease is a common dental problem that many adults across the United States face. It occurs when there is a buildup of bacteria in and around the teeth and gums, and if left untreated, it only gets worse and causes additional problems. When getting dental implants, some people wonder if the implants will be free of gum disease. Dr. Lindsay Eastman and the staff at Lindsay B. Eastman, DDS, MS, PA, want patients to understand the difference between gum disease and peri-implantitis.

The Real Cause of Gum Disease

Ultimately, the cause of gum disease boils down to poor oral hygiene. You are at a much lower risk of experiencing gum disease if you are properly brushing and flossing your teeth every day. However, it can be easy to miss cleaning your teeth every once in a while, and this is when the bacteria move in. With dental implants, the implant itself does not cause gum disease – that is due to poor oral care.

Peri-Implantitis Is a Risk

The real risk of developing gum disease around a dental implant is peri-implantitis. This disease not only affects the health of the teeth and gums surrounding the affected area, but it can put the implant itself at a higher risk for failure.

Regular Treatment Is Still Necessary

Although getting dental implants basically means you are getting fake teeth to replace the real ones that you lost, that does not mean your mouth is now immune to gum disease and other issues that affect natural teeth. You still need to properly care for your teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day. In addition, you must keep your regular dental checkups so Dr. Eastman can monitor the state of the implants and catch any potential problems early on.

Schedule Your Checkup Today

Dental implants are wonderful innovations that have made it possible for many patients to get the full use of their mouth back. Regular checkups can reduce the risk of gum disease and peri-implantitis. Contact our office today to schedule your checkup.