When you get a dental implant, it feels like a fresh start. You finally have a permanent tooth that looks, feels, and acts just like the real thing. It is easy to think that because the implant is made of titanium and porcelain, it can't be hurt. While it is true that an implant cannot get a cavity, the area it sits in, your gums and bone, is still alive and can get infected.

At Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants, we want our patients to keep their new smiles for life. But there is one big threat that can put your new tooth at risk: gum disease. When germs take over the mouth, they do not care if your tooth is natural or man-made. They go straight for the bone and gums that hold the tooth in place.

As a trusted dentist in Malden, MA, we see how a healthy smile changes lives. That is why we want to explain how gum disease affects implants and what you can do to keep your smile strong.

What Is Peri-Implant Disease?

When gum disease affects a real tooth, we call it gingivitis or periodontitis. When it happens around an implant, it is called peri-implant disease. It usually happens in two stages.

Early Gum Problems (Mucositis)

This is the first stage. It is a lot like gingivitis. The gums around the implant get red, puffy, and might bleed when you brush or floss. The good news is that at this stage, the problem can usually be fixed. If you visit Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants quickly, we can clean the area and help you get things back to normal.

Serious Infection (Peri-implantitis)

This is the more dangerous stage. At this point, the infection has moved past the gums and started to eat away at the bone holding the implant in place. Since the implant needs that bone to stay steady, losing it is a big deal. If this is left alone, the implant can get loose and might even fall out.

Why Is Gum Disease So Dangerous for Implants?

You might wonder why gum disease seems to move faster or cause more trouble with an implant than with a real tooth. It mostly comes down to how the tooth is attached to your jaw.

Missing Natural Protection

Real teeth are held in place by a tiny cushion called a ligament. This cushion has a blood supply and cells that help fight off germs. Dental implants do not have this. They are joined directly to the bone. Without that extra layer of defense, once germs get under the gum line, they can reach the bone much easier.

The Problem of Plaque

Germs love to stick to surfaces, and the metal part of an implant is a perfect place for them to grow. If this plaque isn't cleaned off by a dentist in Malden, MA, or with good brushing at home, it turns into hard tartar. This tartar acts like a ladder, letting more germs climb deeper into your jaw.

Signs You Might Have an Issue

Knowing what to look for can save your smile. If you notice any of these, it is time to call Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants.

• Red or Purple Gums: Healthy gums should be light pink. If they look dark or angry, there is an infection.
• Bleeding: If you see blood in the sink when you brush, your body is trying to tell you something is wrong.
• A Bad Taste or Smell: Bad breath that won't go away or a strange taste near the implant often means germs are hiding under the gums.
• Fluid or Pus: Any sign of an infection leaking near the implant is a serious warning sign.
• Movement: A dental implant should never move. If it feels like it is wiggling, the bone support is in trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get an implant if I already have gum disease?

A: Not right away. At Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants, we make sure your mouth is healthy first. If we put in an implant while you have an active infection, the chances of it failing are very high. We will treat the gum disease first to give your new tooth the best start.

Q: How often should I see a dentist in Malden, MA, to check my implants?

A: Most people should come in every six months for a cleaning and exam. However, if you have had gum disease before, we might suggest coming in every three or four months. We use special tools made of plastic or resin to clean the implant without scratching the metal.

Q: Does an implant infection hurt?

A: Not always. This is the tricky part. Sometimes the bone loss happens without any real pain until the implant is already loose. This is why regular X-rays and checkups are so important. We can see what is happening under the gums before you ever feel it.

Q: Does smoking hurt implants?

A: Yes, smoking is one of the main reasons implants fail. It slows down blood flow to the gums, which makes it harder for your body to fight off germs and heal after the implant is put in.

How to Look After Your Smile

The best way to deal with gum disease is to never let it start. Taking care of an implant is a lot like taking care of a real tooth, but you have to be very careful.

• Brush the Right Way: Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you are brushing at an angle toward the gum line to keep the spot where the tooth meets the gum clean.
• Use the Right Floss: Regular floss works, but many of our patients at Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants find that a water flosser is much better at getting into the gaps around an implant.
• Don't Skip Days: Skipping even one night of flossing lets germs grow fast. Staying on top of it every day is the secret to an implant that lasts.

Why Choose Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants?

We know that getting an implant is a big deal, and we want to help you keep it healthy. As a local dentist in Malden, MA, we don't just put the tooth in and forget about it. We teach you how to care for your teeth and check your gum health every time you visit.

We use the latest tools to check your bones and gums. Our team is trained to find early signs of gum trouble so we can stop it before it turns into bone loss. We believe that a healthy mouth helps your whole body stay healthy.

What to Do If Your Implant Feels Off

If you think you might have gum disease around your implant, do not wait. The longer you wait, the more bone you might lose. In some cases, we can fix the infection with a deep cleaning or special medicine. If it’s more advanced, we might need to fix the gum or bone to save the tooth.

At Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants, we have the experience to help save implants that are in trouble. We would much rather see you for a quick cleaning today than a big repair a year from now.

Ready to Protect Your Smile?

Whether you are thinking about getting implants or you already have them, we are here for you. You deserve a smile that stays strong for years to come.

Give us a call at Malden Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants to set up a checkup. We will do a full exam of your gums and implants to make sure everything is okay. Let's work together to keep your mouth healthy.