Periodontal disease has caused gaps between all teeth. Eating is just so frustrating - is there a better solution with implants?

Question

I have suffered from aggressive periodontal disease which I have treated with deep cleaning and root planing. I am told I have some bone loss but my main concern is that I now have gaps between all teeth in my mouth except my bottom front teeth. Eating is a nightmare and I no longer enjoy eating out as food just gets stuck. I clean well and the periodontal disease has stopped with no bleeding but would implants be a better option - I haven't lost any teeth yet although have become longer.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Depending on the level of the bone, dental implants might not get rid of the space between the teeth.  You might also want to explore crowns to close the gaps.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Megan Shelton, DMD · Answer

You are correct, periodontal disease is an aggressive disease.  The first step would be making certain that you and your clinician have teamed together to achieve optimal results, it sounds like you're in a stable state, but always keep a close eye on it.  There are different periodontal mouth rinses that can be used, and more frequent deep cleanings that may be done to reduce your risk for bone loss.  Since the bone cannot be brought back, and implant wouldn't necessarily change the spaces, and the other concern is that implants can still get periodontal disease.  One option you could do is to crown the teeth, it would afford you the ability to eat out comfortably by closing the spaces, if done correctly. Since implants are based on bone, the implants would not offer any better result that your natural teeth.  Another option for you might be orthodontics with interproximal reduction, but that can be limited.  Check with an orthodontist or your general dentist to see which options are best for your situation.  Smiles, Dr. Shelton

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

Hi Alan, You have a common problem. Your advanced periodontal disease was treated, and the results left long teeth with unsightly gaps at the gum line. Dentists and periodontists are primarily concerned about a person's health, and for that reason forget to mention the cosmetic complications that could result from treatment. On the other hand if you did not have your periodontal condition treated, you would have lost your teeth. It is difficult to grow bone horizontally and the gums find a position relative to the height of the bone. This is why your teeth are so long. You have a few options. The most dramatic would be to remove the teeth and make an implant supported hybrid denture. Another would be to have artificial rubber gums made that you can tuck between the teeth. Such an appliance would need be cleaned after each meal.

Hisham Kaloti, DDS (retired) · Answer

Implants may be too aggressive if an option. You might be able to manipulate the shape of the teeth to minimize the gaps.... this might be done with resin bondings, veneers, or crowns...
Implants are an option but there are other options to explore too
That advantage is that you out get to hang on to your teeth a little longer before you have to contemplate total replacement with implants

Periodontal disease has caused gaps between all teeth. Eating is just so frustrating - is there a better solution with implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: There are other options....

Answer: There are other options....

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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

Periodontal disease has caused gaps between all teeth. Eating is just so frustrating - is there a better solution with implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: There are other options....

Answer: There are other options....

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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.