22Jan
Gum recession doesn’t automatically rule out implants, but it does change the plan. With careful evaluation, supportive gum therapy, and a well-designed home routine, many patients still qualify. If you’re exploring dental implants in Springfield, here’s how recession factors into candidacy, timing, and long-term success.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession means the gumline has moved down (lower teeth) or up (upper teeth), exposing more of the tooth or its root. Common causes include periodontal disease, overly firm brushing, inherited factors, tobacco exposure, and naturally thin gum tissue. Recession may cause sensitivity, esthetic concerns, and, in advanced cases, reduced support for teeth.
When planning implants, your clinician will measure gum thickness, pocket depths, bone height/width, and the position of the smile line to determine whether grafting or other therapies are needed first.
How Implants Work With Receding Gums
Dental implants anchor in the jawbone, not in the gums, but healthy, stable soft tissue is essential. Adequate keratinized gum tissue around an implant helps resist inflammation and makes daily cleaning more comfortable. If gums are thin or receded, your provider may recommend soft-tissue grafting to thicken and reshape the gumline around the planned implant site. This improves esthetics, reduces irritation, and supports long-term maintenance. In some cases, tissue procedures occur before placement; in others, they are staged with or after the implant.
When Recession Threatens Implant Success
Recession is a warning sign if it reflects active periodontal disease or insufficient bone. Active inflammation can compromise healing and osseointegration. Your team will address risk factors before surgery, such as bleeding gums, plaque control, tobacco use, bruxism, and uncontrolled diabetes.
Severe recession often coincides with bone loss; in those cases, guided bone regeneration, sinus elevation, or ridge preservation may be required to create a stable base. Your provider will explain whether treatment happens all at once or in planned stages spread over a few months.
Treatment Options Before or With Implants
Your care plan is personalized, but common approaches include:
- Nonsurgical periodontal therapy: Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), localized antimicrobials, and refined home care to control inflammation.
- Soft-tissue grafting: Connective tissue or collagen-based grafts to increase gum thickness and improve contours around the implant site.
- Bone augmentation: Particulate grafts and membranes are used to rebuild the width/height of the implant for secure implant placement.
- Timing strategies: Immediate placement in ideal sites versus delayed placement after disease control and graft healing.
- For complex cases, coordination with an oral surgeon in Springfield ensures the right sequencing of grafting and implant placement for both health and esthetics.
Daily Care To Protect Gums And Implants
Long-term implant success depends on meticulous home care plus routine professional maintenance:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with a soft brush; angle toward the gumline.
- Clean between teeth and around the implant using floss, interdental brushes sized by your clinician, or a water flosser.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and consider an ADA-Accepted mouthrinse if recommended.
- Mind your timing after acids: wait about 30 minutes before brushing, following acidic foods or drinks.
- Quit tobacco and manage clenching/grinding with cessation support and night guards when indicated.
- Keep maintenance visits on schedule; your team will monitor gum health, measure pockets, and debride biofilm around implant components.
Who Is a Good Candidate When a Recession Exists?
You may still be a candidate if:
- Periodontal disease is controlled, and the gumline is stable.
- There is enough bone, or it can be predictably rebuilt.
- Your medical history supports normal healing.
- You can maintain a consistent home-care routine and attend recall visits.
- If implants are not ideal in a specific area, your dentist in springfield may suggest alternatives such as resin-bonded bridges, conventional bridges, or removable options while you continue improving gum health. Many patients start by searching for dental implants near you to learn about costs, treatment steps, and timing before deciding.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Gum recession and implants can coexist when inflammation is controlled, tissues are reinforced where needed, and maintenance is consistent. A thoughtful plan protects both health and appearance for the long term. For personal guidance, from your first consult through ongoing maintenance, the team at Alpha Dental is here to coordinate your care.