Do You Need a Periodontist for Dental Implants?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering which tooth replacement option is right for you. Dental implants offer a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and can help restore both the function and appearance of your smile. A periodontist can play an important role in the dental implant process by evaluating your gums and jawbone, determining whether you’re a good candidate, and developing a personalized treatment plan to prepare your mouth for implant placement.

Not everyone needs to see a periodontist before getting dental implants. However, patients with gum disease, bone loss, or insufficient jawbone volume may benefit from the specialized care of a periodontist. Treating these concerns before implant placement can help create a healthier foundation for a successful dental implant.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the health of your gums, jawbone, and other tissues that support your teeth. Periodontists receive additional training to diagnose and treat gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, and other conditions affecting the structures around your teeth. 

They also have specialized experience with dental implants and can help prepare the gums and jawbone for implant placement. If you have gum disease, significant bone loss, or other concerns that could affect your dental implant treatment, your general dentist may recommend an evaluation with a periodontist.

What Does a Periodontist Do for Dental Implants?

A periodontist can play an important role in the dental implant process, particularly when gum health or jawbone volume may affect the success of treatment. Because periodontists specialize in the tissues and bone that support your teeth, they can evaluate your oral health, address existing concerns, and help create a healthy foundation for your dental implant.

Depending on your individual needs, a periodontist may assist with several stages of treatment:

• Evaluate your gums and jawbone: A periodontist examines the health of your gums and supporting bone to determine whether your mouth is ready for an implant.

• Treat gum disease: Active gum disease may need to be treated before implant placement to create a healthier environment for the implant.

• Assess bone volume: If you have experienced bone loss after losing a tooth, a periodontist can determine whether there is enough bone to support an implant.

• Perform bone grafting when needed: A bone graft may help rebuild areas where there is not enough bone for implant placement.

• Prepare the gum tissue: In some cases, gum tissue may need to be treated or reshaped to provide adequate support and improve the appearance of the final restoration.

• Place the dental implant: Periodontists have specialized training in implant placement and may surgically position the implant into the jawbone.

• Monitor healing: After placement, the periodontist can monitor the implant and surrounding tissues as they heal and integrate with the jawbone.

• Coordinate your overall treatment: A periodontist can work with your general dentist or restorative dentist to help ensure the implant and final crown, bridge, or denture work together for a functional, natural-looking result.

When Is a Periodontal Evaluation Especially Helpful?

While many patients can receive dental implants without seeing a periodontist, a periodontal evaluation can be especially helpful when there are concerns about gum health, bone support, or the tissues surrounding the planned implant. A periodontist can identify potential concerns before implant treatment begins and recommend appropriate treatment to create a healthy foundation for the implant.

A periodontal evaluation may be particularly beneficial in the following situations:

• Active gum disease: Periodontitis can damage the gums and jawbone that support the teeth. Treating active gum disease before implant placement can help create a healthier environment for the implant.

• Bone loss: Losing a tooth can eventually lead to bone loss in the jaw. When there is not enough bone to support an implant, a periodontist can determine whether a bone graft or another procedure may be needed before implant placement.

• A tooth has been missing for an extended period: The longer a tooth has been missing, the more likely changes may occur in the surrounding bone and gum tissue. A periodontal evaluation can determine how these changes may affect implant treatment.

• Gum recession: Receding gums can expose tooth roots and affect the amount of healthy tissue surrounding an implant. A periodontist can evaluate the gum tissue and determine whether treatment may be beneficial.

• Previous dental problems in the area: A history of infection, trauma, tooth extraction complications, or previous dental procedures may affect the bone and soft tissues. A periodontal evaluation can assess these areas before implant treatment begins.

• Multiple missing teeth: Replacing several teeth may require careful evaluation of the available bone and gum tissue. A periodontist can help determine whether the tissues can adequately support the planned implants.

• Limited bone in the planned implant area: Certain areas of the jaw may have less available bone, making thorough evaluation particularly important. Dental imaging and a clinical examination can help determine whether additional procedures may be needed before implant placement.

• Concerns about the appearance of the gumline: Gum tissue contributes to the appearance of the smile as well as the support of an implant. A periodontist can evaluate the shape, thickness, and health of the gum tissue and determine whether additional treatment could improve the final result.

A periodontal evaluation does not necessarily mean additional procedures will be required. The goal is to identify potential concerns, evaluate each patient’s individual needs, and develop an appropriate treatment plan before moving forward with dental implants. A general dentist, restorative dentist, and periodontist can work together to determine whether periodontal treatment is appropriate and help patients understand their treatment options.

When to See a Periodontist for Dental Implants

Dental implants can provide a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, but a healthy foundation is essential for successful treatment. While not every dental implant patient needs to see a periodontist, an evaluation from Dr. Moeller may be especially helpful for patients with gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, or other concerns affecting the tissues that support an implant. Dr. Moeller can assess the health of the gums and jawbone, address potential problems, and help develop a personalized treatment plan.

If you’re considering dental implants, a periodontal evaluation can help you better understand the health of your gums and jawbone and whether any additional treatment may be beneficial before implant placement. Schedule a periodontal evaluation in Salina, Kansas today to find out whether your gums and jawbone are ready for dental implant treatment. Dr. Moeller can help you understand your options and take the next step toward a healthy, confident smile.