Receding Gums: Are Dental Implants Still an Option?

Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS

Reading time: five minutes

If you have receding gums and are considering your tooth replacement options, you may wonder if you qualify for dental implants.

While receding gums do not automatically disqualify you from this tooth replacement option, there are a few things you should know. 

In this blog, we will explore the relationship between receding gums and dental implants, and what you can do to increase your chances of a successful implant placement.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

If you have receding gums, you can still get implants, but it depends on how severe the recession is. If your gum pockets are less than 5mm deep and there is no active gum disease, implants may be a viable option. If your gum pockets are deeper than 5mm and you have active gum disease, you will need to treat the gum disease before moving forward with implants.

What Are Receding Gums?

Receding gums occur when the gum tissues pull away from your teeth.

This exposure can make your teeth look longer and increase your risk of tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. It is important to address gum recession early to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent further damage.

How To Determine if Gums Are Receding

Look closely at your teeth—if they appear longer than usual or if more of the tooth root is visible, this could be a sign of gum recession. 

You might also notice increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, which occurs because exposed tooth roots lack the protective enamel found on the rest of the tooth. 

Check your gumline for any notches or grooves where the gum has pulled away from the tooth. Redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding during brushing or flossing can also signal a problem. 

To learn more about healthy vs unhealthy gums, read: Healthy Gums vs. Unhealthy Gums: How to Tell the Difference.

Causes of Gum Recession

Understanding the causes can help you protect your gums.

Some common reasons include:

  • Gum disease: Untreated gum disease can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth.
  • Aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away enamel and gums.
  • Crooked teeth or bite issues: These can put uneven pressure on gums.
  • Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can harm gum tissues.
  • Hormonal changes: These can make gums more sensitive and prone to recession.
  • Genetics: Some people naturally have thinner gums, increasing the risk of gum recession.

Impact of Gum Recession on Implants

Severe gum recession can create challenges for dental implants.

Some of these challenges include:

  1. Bone loss: Gum recession often leads to bone loss in the jaw bone. An implant needs a strong foundation to be successful. 
  2. Risk of implant failure: Without healthy gum tissue, the implant may not integrate properly with the bone.
  3. Increased risk of infection: Exposed implant posts can lead to complications.

Can You Get Implants If You Have Receding Gums?

Yes, but it depends on the severity of gum recession and your overall oral health.

Receding gums do not automatically disqualify you from dental implants. However, certain conditions like inadequate bone or unhealthy gum tissues may require additional treatments before implants can be placed.

Treatment for Receding Gums

Treatment will depend on what is causing the receding gums. 

Treatment options include:

  • Deep cleaning: If you have gum disease, scaling and root planing will be performed to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
  • Soft tissue grafts: Gum grafting replaces lost gum tissue using a donor source or synthetic materials.
  • Bone grafting: Dental bone grafts rebuild bone matter for a sturdy foundation.
  • Gum surgery: If gum disease has progressed to the advanced stages, a gum surgery procedure such as gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, or gingival flap surgery may be recommended. 

FAQs About Receding Gums and Dental Implants

What happens to implants when gums recede?

The gum tissues and jaw bone play a critical role in stabilizing implants. Gum recession exposes the implant post, increasing the risk of infection, implant failure, and a less natural appearance. If this occurs, additional treatments like gum grafts or soft tissue augmentation may be necessary to maintain the implant.

When is it too late to fix receding gums?

It is rarely too late, but the severity of periodontal disease affects treatment options. In advanced cases with significant bone loss or untreated gum disease, fixing receding gums may require extensive procedures like bone grafting or soft tissue grafts. Address gum recession as soon as possible to improve the success rate of treatments and avoid further damage.

Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?

Some people may not be suitable candidates for dental implants.

This includes individuals who:

  • Have uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic health issues.
  • Smoke heavily or use tobacco products, which hinder healing.
  • Have insufficient bone density or severe bone loss without willingness to undergo bone grafting.
  • Do not maintain good oral hygiene or have active gum disease.
  • Are not in good general health to undergo dental procedures.

Visit Our Periodontists in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Our periodontists specialize in treating receding gums and providing personalized treatment plans for dental implants.

If you do not qualify for dental implants, there are other tooth replacement options available. We will discuss all possible options with you that meets your needs. 

To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online inquiry form. Our office is located at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd #225, Highlands Ranch, CO.

Categories: Periodontics