Receding Gums? Dental Implants May Still Be Possible

There are many ways dentists can replace missing teeth and restore your smile, but dental implants are generally considered the gold standard. These permanent tooth replacements are incredibly durable, easy to maintain, and look indistinguishable from natural teeth. 

If you have receding gums, you might assume that dental implants are out of the question. However, modern dentistry and implant technology are highly sophisticated, and it may be possible to have implants installed even if your gums are receding. 

How Can Receding Gums Affect Dental Implant Eligibility?

When a dental implant is installed, a dental surgeon makes an incision into your gums and inserts a threaded titanium rod into your jawbone. A prosthetic tooth is then screwed into the exposed top of the implant. If all goes well, the supporting rod should be completely hidden by your healed gums. The only visible portion of the implant is the crown itself, which is individually crafted to look identical to a natural tooth.

If your gums have receded due to poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or other issues, there may not be enough remaining gum tissue to effectively cover the implant's supporting rod. An exposed implant rod will look very obvious and unnatural, especially if it is installed in the front of your mouth. Gum tissue also helps to support and stabilize the implant rod, so weakened, receding gums may not provide adequate support.

Can Implants Still Be Installed In Your Receding Gums?

If you are interested in dental implants but have been diagnosed with receding gums, the first step is to book a full dental implant consultation with an implant dentist or oral surgeon. These highly trained professionals will examine your gums and may also use X-rays and other imaging techniques to examine your jawbone.

If your gums have only suffered from a mild recession, it may be possible to have implants installed without any additional intervention, as long as your jawbone is still strong and stable. During the implantation process, your surgeon will modify the position of the implant support rods, ensuring they are completely hidden by your remaining gum tissue.

If your gum recession is more severe, implants may still be an option. Oral surgeons can repair receding gums using gum grafts. Gum tissue from your own mouth or that of a donor is placed over your receding gums. Once the graft has healed, your gums may be strong enough to support and hide dental implants.

Contact a local dental implant consultant to learn more about your options.