Dental Implants & Periodontal Disease

A dental implant is an artificial root that is placed in your jawbone where a tooth is missing so that a crown or bridge can be attached to it. It provides an alternative to dentures when a person loses one or more teeth due to injury or periodontal disease.

Types

• Endosteal implants are placed surgically into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are placed on the bone, with posts protruding through the gum for attachment of the artificial tooth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, subperiosteal implants are often used when bone height is minimal.

Candidates

• Most people, with the exception of children, are candidates for dental implants, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Even individuals with bone loss, missing teeth due to periodontal disease, or problems with tooth decay can receive implants.

Success rate

• According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the five-year success rate is 95 percent for implants in the lower jaw and 90 percent in the upper jaw.

Failure

• Failure of a dental implant may result from failure of the osseointegration process (bonding of the implant to the bone), smoking or poor oral hygiene, which may result in periodontal disease around an implant.

Considerations

• A successful implant depends on home care with regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine visits to the dentist to check on the implant and ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.