“Why do gums recede around implants?”
I am a 49 year old male. My gums receded around the implant. Why do gums recede around implants?
6 Answers
If there is bone loss around the top of the implant, you will have some gum recession.
Hello,
Gums (gingiva) can recede around an implant for a few different reasons including; 1) something stuck in the gums around the implant tooth, 2) periodontal disease (periodontitis), or 3) natural order of events.
First, anything stuck in the gums around the implant tooth will make the gums bleed, maybe puss, and eventually recede. This could be food continually getting impacted between the teeth or something as a little bit of extra cement from the crown being put on. The cement can be cleaned our; however, if there is a food trap (small gap between the teeth), the gap will have to be closed to stop the recession.
Secondly, when an implant is put in, no one is worried about a cavity as titanium, porcelain, or zirconia do not grow cavities. However, an implant can still get periodontitis only in this case it is called peri-implantitis. The gums around the implant need to be kept clean just like any other tooth; otherwise they will recede.
Finally, Titanium and titanium alloys are used for implants because they have what is known as bio compatibility. This means that they are the most compatible with a persons biological tissues (the do not cause a reaction and go undetected by the body's immune system). This is why hip implants, rods and screws used in the body are made out of titanium. However, in some cases the body will reject the implant and the gums around it will recede. Hope this helps.
My best to you
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Gums (gingiva) can recede around an implant for a few different reasons including; 1) something stuck in the gums around the implant tooth, 2) periodontal disease (periodontitis), or 3) natural order of events.
First, anything stuck in the gums around the implant tooth will make the gums bleed, maybe puss, and eventually recede. This could be food continually getting impacted between the teeth or something as a little bit of extra cement from the crown being put on. The cement can be cleaned our; however, if there is a food trap (small gap between the teeth), the gap will have to be closed to stop the recession.
Secondly, when an implant is put in, no one is worried about a cavity as titanium, porcelain, or zirconia do not grow cavities. However, an implant can still get periodontitis only in this case it is called peri-implantitis. The gums around the implant need to be kept clean just like any other tooth; otherwise they will recede.
Finally, Titanium and titanium alloys are used for implants because they have what is known as bio compatibility. This means that they are the most compatible with a persons biological tissues (the do not cause a reaction and go undetected by the body's immune system). This is why hip implants, rods and screws used in the body are made out of titanium. However, in some cases the body will reject the implant and the gums around it will recede. Hope this helps.
My best to you
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Getting proper cleaning and maintenance cleaning around implants every 3-4 months helps prevent any potential complications. Also, some wrong implant placement planning and thin gum biotype might be the cause. The least, but last, you might have gum disease as gum disease also might happen around implants.
Gums follow bone, you have lost bone around the implant which can be due to inflammation(plaque and tarter), malocclusion unusual forces on the implant allergies, genetics and so on.
The complete answer is quite involved. Simply put, gum follows the bone underneath. It is typical to lose a very small amount of bone (0.1mm) around the top of an implant for a short while. This bone loss can be increased if the hygiene is poor, if the patient has unhealthy habits (smoking), if the restorations aren't properly seated or adjusted (if the bite is too hard), if the patient was not a great candidate for an implant in the first place (soft or insufficient bone) or if cement not fully cleaned out around the implant restoration. Well restored implants in a healthy patient with solid bone will not show gum recession for a VERY long time (if ever).
Implant is made of metal and it’s not so compatible with your gums however if you have a zirconia implant which is glass that is much more compatible and less likely to have her recession. many times implants have bone break down and if bone breaks down the gums will follow
Best Regards,
Dr. Mark Berkowitz
Best Regards,
Dr. Mark Berkowitz
