Can I Have Multiple Implants Without Fake Gum?

Question

I am considering quite a lot of dental implants. However I was very put off by the idea of a "fake gum" to support the implants. The dentist said it was because the real gum would shrink back, etc, once the real teeth were out. I am still interested in implants but hate the fake gum. My question is, if I had my teeth replaced with implants one (or two) at a time, would the gum still shrink back and make the whole thing unstable? Or would it then work OK without the fake gum?

Victor Sanz, DDS · Answer

The shrinkage of your gums will depend on the amount of bone lost from (if any) current or past periodontal disease (deep pockets) or if they are extracted atraumatically to avoid any bone loss from trauma.

Alexandre-Amir Aalam, DDS · Answer

When there is a lot bone loss prior to extraction of teeth, it is common to get gum shrinkage and extra space. Once implants are placed, extra space requires longer implant crowns which may look unnatural.  In this case, there are 2 ways to correct the problem: either with pink porcelain around crowns or pink acrylic around crowns, depending on what restorative treatment is chosen.  To know whether you require this or not, there are several diagnostic steps that need to be completed. If you feel that you need a second opinion, visit a periodontist for a consultation. 

	Best,

	Dr. Aalam

David Silber, DMD · Answer

I agree with all the previous answers!  There are so many ways to restore/ Fill your mouth with new teeth, that it might be easier to ask what you are getting done.  You can do the full denture over the implants, you can do the denture snapping on a bar, you can do a Fixed bridge over a bar; just to name a few.

	I recommend getting a second opinion and talk to specialist, periodontist and prosthodontist can give you different opinion and techniques.  They are all good, depends on the dentist's philosophy.

	 

	Hope this Helps,

	Dr. David Silber

	Mapleshade Dental Care

Dan Hagi, DDS · Answer

Dental prosthesis can replace many different structures in the mouth.

	On implants we have the ability replace teeth only or teeth and gums.  If the situation is right there is the option to replace teeth only but the volume of bone and gum needs to be suffiecient as to make the teeth proportional.  If we don't have ideal gum and bone there are two choices, use "porcelain" gums or rebuild the bone and gums through multiple augmentation surgeries.  Hope this helps.

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

Yes you can keep in mind if you don't have fake gums then your teeth will appear longer. You should see what this will look like before you proceed with diagnostic wax up or computer mock up. Many times patients have lost alot of bone and soft tissue and when we as dentist attempt to restore we have to replace this loss with either very long white teeth or correct sized teeth with fake gums or just leave the open space. A nice way to deal with this is an over denture and also much less expensive good luck

	 

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD    CEO Baystate Dental PC

Can I Have Multiple Implants Without Fake Gum?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implants to replace teeth and gums...

Answer: Implants to replace teeth and gums...

Answer: Can I have multiple implants without fake gums?

Answer: Can I have multiple implants without fake gums?

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Can I Have Multiple Implants Without Fake Gum?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implants to replace teeth and gums...

Answer: Implants to replace teeth and gums...

Answer: Can I have multiple implants without fake gums?

Answer: Can I have multiple implants without fake gums?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.