Understanding Gum Health After Dental Implant Surgery

Healthy gums are fundamental for success with dental implants. They’re essential for every stage of the process - from the initial implant surgery and post-operative healing, to the long-term success of your implant. Without healthy gums, the implant may not properly fuse with the bone or complications could arise.

Around 60% of adults over age 65 have gum disease. Gum disease starts with a buildup of plaque on or around the teeth, causing inflammation, bleeding, and infection. Left untreated, this condition is a leading cause of missing teeth - and for patients who have dental implants, gum disease can increase the risk of them experiencing problems. 

Fortunately, there are steps patients can take to ensure the longevity of dental implants by maintaining healthy gums. At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we offer comprehensive care and guidance to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, ensuring the long-term success of your dental implants. 

The structure of the dental implant with a post, abutment, and crown.

What Are Dental Implants and Mini Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are a common way to replace one or more missing teeth. A titanium post implanted into the jawbone serves as an anchor for an abutment and artificial tooth to attach. The metal post acts like the root of the tooth and the crown on top is aesthetically almost identical to a natural tooth. 

Mini dental implants work the same way as regular implants but are smaller and less invasive, with a faster healing time. These are ideal for patients who have less bone in their jaw to accommodate the titanium post.

Single and Multiple Dental Implants 

Patients who are missing one or several teeth but not a full arch can opt for single or multiple dental implants. You can replace multiple teeth with one implant using a treatment called an implant supported bridge, in which there are additional prosthetic teeth attached to one or both sides of the implant. However many teeth you need replacing, the dental implants will blend in seamlessly with your natural smile. 

Why Healthy Gums Matter for Dental Implants?

Before your dentist can replace a missing tooth, your gums and jawbone need to be healthy. If the surrounding bone and tissue is unhealthy, there may be complications or the dental implant could even fail. The post of a dental implant needs a solid foundation to provide a firm anchor point. The presence of periodontal disease requires extra steps to ensure your gums are healthy enough to support the implant.

Periodontitis and peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is caused by severe inflammation in the gum tissue around the implant. Smoking, diabetes, alcohol consumption, bruxism, and poor oral hygiene can increase the risk and severity of peri-implantitis. 

The risk for getting peri-implantitis can also be higher in individuals with periodontitis. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to gum recession and tooth loss. This condition occurs when bacteria and plaque accumulate due to a lack of proper oral hygiene. Individuals with periodontitis are at higher risk of developing complications and gum problems after implants. Your dentist may suggest addressing issues with the gums beforehand to reduce the chances of developing peri-implantitis.

3D illustration of scaling and root planing periodontal therapy

Pre-Surgical Periodontal Treatment

For patients with gum disease, periodontal treatment may be necessary before surgery can take place. Your dentist may suggest starting with a non-surgical cleaning to remove tartar or plaque from between the teeth and the gums. Aside from standard cleanings, your dentist may need to prepare diseased gum tissue with other therapies before a dental implant is possible.

Root planing and periodontal scaling are procedures that dentists perform to remove plaque buildup from below the gum line and control the progression of gum disease. Extremely unhealthy gum tissue may require periodontal surgery. Gum recession caused by this condition can be treated with gum grafting, a treatment that involves replacing lost or damaged gum tissue with new healthy tissue.

How To Heal Faster After Dental Implants

Following dental implant surgery, you may have some swelling and discomfort around the implant area. These initial symptoms should pass after a few days. Immediate aftercare after getting implants help minimize discomfort and promote the healing process. 

Here are steps to follow:

Avoid hot food and beverages for the first 24-48 hours: Hot food and drinks can increase bleeding, making it harder for the implant site to heal. The heat will also cause pain and discomfort. 

Avoid brushing the implant site for the first few days: Brushing the implant site itself could irritate the gums. Your dentist will advise you about when to start brushing the implant - up until then, brush the rest of your teeth and gums as normal. 

Don’t drink alcohol or smoke: To give your implant the best chance of healing, you should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for at least two weeks. If possible, consider giving up smoking entirely - according to the CDC, smokers are at twice the risk of gum disease as non-smokers.

Maintain your oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily, floss daily, and use the mouthwash your dentist recommends. This will give your implant the best environment possible to heal in. 

When you are recovering from dental implant surgery, the healing process tends to unfold as follows: 

  • Manage pain post-surgery with over the counter or prescription pain relievers.

  • Swelling can occur for the first 72 hours.

  • After a few days, the pain and discomfort should subside.

  • Osseointegration takes several months but is a non-painful process.

During the healing process, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. If you fail to keep up with regular cleaning practices, complications could slow your healing.

Close-up of female smiling with white teeth during dental examination

Common Gum Problems After Dental Implants and How To Address Them

Patients may experience a number of issues with their gums in the days following dental implant surgery, but they should find that these symptoms do not last long. 

Soreness

Feeling some pain and discomfort after getting your dental implants is very normal, as it is a surgical procedure. It should no longer hurt much at all after one week. 

Bleeding

Bleeding is a very common side effect of dental implant surgery, especially on the first day. Be careful not to disturb the implant by rinsing your mouth, spitting or touching the implant site. You can reduce bleeding by biting down on gauze which your dentist will give you - remember to take out the gauze when you eat or when you go to bed. 

Swelling and Bruising

Depending on how many implants you have had placed and your body’s reaction to the procedure, your jaws or cheeks might have a slightly swollen appearance, and you may also have some bruising. This should resolve fairly quickly in the days following your dental implant surgery. 

You can treat swollen gums by applying a cooling ice pack to the side of your face, and taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen if you are able to. After the first 24 hours, swap the cold compress for a warm compress to help reduce swelling and bruising.

Visit Your Dentist If You Have Any Concerns

If any of these problems persist beyond a week or become more intense, see your dentist immediately. Pain could be an indication of an infection, which should be taken seriously. Infection can be easily treated with antibiotics if your dentist is aware of it before it develops further. 

A smiling woman cleaning her teeth with a dental water flosser in the bathroom.

Long Term Gum Care with Dental Implants

Long-term gum care is essential for maintaining your dental implants and ensuring the health of your remaining teeth. 

Here are the best practices for optimizing your oral hygiene: 

  • Protect the implant’s surface by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an implant cleaning brush with a low-abrasive toothpaste.

  • Use a water flosser or oral irrigator to get underneath and around the implant to prevent bacteria buildup.

  • Reach difficult spots around implants using an interdental brush.

  • Antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria.

  • Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice annually for checkups and professional cleaning.

  • Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth or while playing contact sports.

  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary beverages.

  • Drink plenty of water. This is especially important for people with certain medical conditions who are vulnerable to chronic dry mouth, which can cause bacteria growth.

With proper oral hygiene habits, you can protect your gum health and lengthen the lifespan of your dental implants.

Get Your Affordable Dentures and Implants

Affordable Dentures and Implants has a comprehensive selection of tooth replacement options including dental implants and mini dental implants. We have restorative dental solutions for every budget and can recommend the best treatment for your individual needs. Find a local dental clinic near you and book an appointment today!

Sources

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/periodontal-disease

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