Can a prosthodontist really help me if drugs messed up my gums? I had a 8 yr drug habit that has almost totaled my gums and teeth. I am thinking what good are new teeth or implants if I don’t have enough gum tissue to keep them in place. Thanks. A.Y.
A.Y. – A highly experienced prosthodontist can help. First, an examination and diagnostic studies are needed to accurately access the state of your gum tissue, jawbone, and teeth.
Sufficient jawbone is needed to support dental implants. If you don’t have enough jawbone, bone grafting can be used to build up the missing bone. Depending on your case, and the prosthodontist you choose, donor bone tissue or synthetic bone will be used.
Periodontal (gum) grafting is performed to add gum tissue where the original tissue is missing or damaged.
After bone and gum grafting heals, the dental implant process can begin. Expect the entire process to take several months or more. The different phases of restoring your smile require a healing period before starting the next step.
You can schedule consultations with several prosthodontists to discuss your options and ask questions. Keep in mind that a comprehensive exam and diagnostic studies are required to accurately project what you can expect in terms of the treatment needed, how long each phase may take, and the cost of restoring your smile.
This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
