If you have gum disease and need dentures, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to get them or if the condition will interfere with the process. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. While gum disease can complicate dental treatments, getting dentures is still an option for many patients. In this blog, we’ll discuss whether you can get dentures if you have gum disease, how gum disease can impact your dentures, and what to expect during the treatment process. With expert guidance from a dentures Perth specialist, we’ll help you navigate your options for tooth replacement.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone structures that support your teeth. It typically progresses in two stages:
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease, characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral care.
- Periodontitis: The more advanced stage of gum disease, where the infection affects the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place. This stage can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Gum disease can make it difficult for your teeth to remain stable, which may ultimately require tooth replacement. If you’re considering dentures in Perth, it’s important to understand how gum disease can affect your treatment options.
Can You Get Dentures if You Have Gum Disease?
The short answer is yes, you can get dentures if you have gum disease, but there are a few important things to consider before moving forward with the process. Having gum disease may require some additional steps to ensure that your gums and mouth are healthy enough to support dentures. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Treatment of Gum Disease Before Getting Dentures
Before getting dentures, it’s essential to address any existing gum disease. If you currently have gum disease or if it’s in an advanced stage (periodontitis), you will need to undergo treatment to stop the disease from progressing and to improve the health of your gums. Common treatments for gum disease include:
- Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing): This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing out the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwashes to reduce bacteria and inflammation in your gums.
- Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgery may be needed to restore gum health or to remove damaged tissue.
Once the gum disease is treated, your dentist will reassess your gums and jaw to determine if they are healthy enough to support dentures. This may involve taking X-rays or impressions to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
2. Bone Loss and Its Impact on Dentures
One of the major concerns for patients with gum disease is bone loss. If gum disease has caused significant damage to the jawbone, it may not be able to support dentures properly. In such cases, bone grafts or other procedures may be necessary to restore the jawbone and provide a stable foundation for dentures.
- Bone grafting: If you’ve experienced bone loss, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to rebuild the jawbone before dentures can be placed. This procedure involves taking bone material from another part of your body or using synthetic bone material to strengthen the area.
- Implant-supported dentures: If you don’t have enough bone for traditional dentures, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures, which use dental implants to anchor the dentures securely into the jawbone. Dental implants require a healthy amount of bone, so if you’ve experienced significant bone loss, a bone graft may be required first.
3. Types of Dentures for Gum Disease Patients
There are different types of dentures available, and the type that is best for you depends on your oral health and the extent of your gum disease. Here are the main options:
- Full dentures: If you are missing all of your teeth due to gum disease, full dentures may be recommended. These dentures replace all your upper and/or lower teeth and are designed to fit snugly over your gums.
- Partial dentures: If you still have some healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures can be used to fill the gaps caused by missing teeth. These dentures are attached to the remaining natural teeth for support.
- Implant-supported dentures: As mentioned, if your bone health is adequate (or after bone grafting), implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and secure fit. This type of denture is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone.
What to Expect During the Denture Process
If you are eligible for dentures, here’s what you can expect during the process:
Step 1: Gum Disease Treatment
Your dentures Perth specialist will first address any existing gum disease. This could involve scaling and root planing or other treatments to ensure that your gums are healthy enough to support dentures.
Step 2: Tooth Extractions (If Necessary)
If any of your remaining teeth are damaged or need to be removed, your dentist will perform tooth extractions before proceeding with dentures. This ensures that your new dentures will fit comfortably and securely.
Step 3: Impressions and Fitting
Once your gums are healthy and any necessary extractions are completed, your dentist will take impressions of your gums and jaw. These impressions are used to create custom dentures that fit perfectly in your mouth. You may need a few fittings to ensure that your dentures are comfortable and functional.
Step 4: Adjustments and Final Fitting
After your dentures are created, you’ll have a final fitting to make sure they fit well. Adjustments may be needed to ensure comfort and proper bite alignment. Once everything fits properly, your dentist will provide guidance on how to care for your dentures.
Step 5: Aftercare and Maintenance
Caring for your dentures is essential to ensure they last and to maintain your oral health. Your dentist will provide instructions on cleaning your dentures, handling them with care, and maintaining your oral hygiene. If you have implant-supported dentures, you’ll need to care for both your implants and the dentures.
Conclusion:
Yes, you can get dentures if you have gum disease, but it’s essential to treat the gum disease and address any bone loss before moving forward with denture placement. Your dentures Perth specialist will help you through every step of the process, ensuring that your gums are healthy and your dentures fit comfortably. At Medivance Dental, we offer personalised care and advanced denture solutions, even for patients with gum disease. Visit our Contact Us page today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for tooth replacement.
FAQs
- Can I get dentures if I have gum disease?
Yes, but the gum disease must be treated first. Healthy gums are essential for a proper denture fit and to avoid further complications. - What happens if I wear dentures while having active gum disease?
Wearing dentures with untreated gum disease can worsen inflammation, cause bone loss, and lead to poor fit or painful sores. - Will I need extractions before getting dentures?
Often, yes—especially if teeth are loose, decayed, or affected by advanced gum disease. Your denture Perth provider will assess what needs to be done. - Are full or partial dentures better if I have gum problems?
It depends on how many healthy teeth you have left. Partial dentures can work if some teeth are still stable. Otherwise, full dentures may be the better solution. - How do I care for my gums while wearing dentures?
Clean your gums daily with a soft brush or cloth, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, and visit your dentist regularly to monitor gum health and denture fit.
