Gum Growth After Dental Implant

Dental implantation is a common method of tooth restoration. The installation of fixed prosthetics on implants allows the restoration of dental functionality and the improvement of smile aesthetics. However, in some cases, gum recession may occur a reduction in the volume of soft tissues, which can cause psychological discomfort and even painful sensations. The opposite process is also possible – the overgrowth of gum tissue, when its amount becomes excessive. Below, we will explain why this happens and how to solve the problem.

What factors affect gum growth after dental implantation?

When a surgeon places a metal post into the jawbone to serve as the tooth root, they lift the gum tissue to access the installation site. This can cause discomfort and contribute to swelling.

Gradually, the implant fully integrates with the bone. The gum tissue adapts to this, growing around the post and improving its stability.

Gum healing continues for several weeks after the surgery. Initially, redness and swelling may be observed. Over time, these symptoms resolve on their own due to the body’s natural regenerative processes.

The condition of the gums may worsen due to the doctor's fault or because the patient did not follow the surgeon's recommendations, which are meant to promote quick healing. Reasons for the slow healing of soft tissues near the implant include:

• the doctor’s insufficient qualifications, non-compliance with protocols, or lack of skills to prevent complications;
• low-quality implant – it may be defective or made from substandard materials;
• the patient's individual health condition;
• improper or insufficient oral hygiene, including reluctance to brush teeth regularly;
• untreated gum diseases;
• smoking.

Can gums grow over dental implants?

The most common issue with dental implantation is recession, i.e., the loss of gum tissue. However, the opposite situation is also possible – an overgrowth of soft tissues over the implant. The installation of temporary crowns can help prevent this.

Excessive gum growth around the implant is highly undesirable. It will complicate the future installation of a permanent crown. Another problem that may arise is peri-implantitis (inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the implant). If not treated in time, the inflammatory process can spread to the jawbone. The hard tissues will begin to deteriorate, and they will no longer be able to hold the implanted posts.

Therefore, dental implantation should be performed by experienced specialists. It is crucial to avoid mistakes at every stage – during diagnosis, planning, and the actual implant placement.

Causes of gum recession

The loss of soft tissues causes the gum line to recede. As a result, the artificial roots become exposed and highly visible, which looks unattractive. However, the problem is not only aesthetic. Food particles accumulate between the teeth and gums, forming soft plaque. Bacteria multiply in it, causing dental and gum diseases. Over time, these harden and turn into dense deposits that cannot be removed at home – so-called tartar. Pathological processes continue beneath it. A persistent bad breath also becomes noticeable.

Gums may also swell, become inflamed, and change color, turning unnaturally pale or whitish.

Gum recession can be caused by various factors:

1. Errors made by the surgeon during the implant placement. For example, the doctor may not have fully considered the quality and density of the bone or other parameters, placing the post so that it touches or protrudes beyond the gum edge.
2. Incorrect oral hygiene – the patient brushes their teeth too aggressively, applying too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
3. Lack of hygiene – if oral care is neglected, bacterial plaque will accumulate on the teeth and in the interdental spaces.
4. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and other soft tissue diseases. These cause inflammatory processes that contribute to gum recession.
5. Bruxism, involuntary teeth grinding, which may intensify at night. This increases the load on the dental arch.
6. Hormonal fluctuations. Problems usually arise during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty.
7. Genetic predisposition. Some patients experience gum recession due to hereditary factors.

How to maintain gum health around implants?

The key condition is proper, regular oral care. Brushing your teeth twice a day is sufficient to significantly reduce the risk of gum tissue recession. It is important to choose the right toothbrush – its bristles should be soft or medium in hardness. You can discuss your toothbrush choice with a dentist. It is also necessary to use:

• toothpaste selected according to the specific needs of your teeth;
• an irrigator;
• dental floss;
• mouthwash.

Additionally, it is advisable to:

• avoid smoking;
• follow the principles of healthy, balanced nutrition;
• be careful when consuming hard foods and avoid them during the soft tissue healing period after implantation.

It is helpful to visit a dental clinic twice a year for professional cleaning. Dental hygienists use methods that allow for especially thorough removal of soft and, most importantly, hard plaque from the enamel surface.

It is also necessary to visit the dentist twice a year for preventive examinations. This helps to detect signs of gum recession and other diseases in time, enabling treatment at early stages when it is most effective.

How to know if implants are healing properly

You should monitor your health and pay attention to the condition of your mouth after implant surgery. There are several key indicators to focus on:

Absence of discomfort. It is normal to experience some discomfort immediately after implantation. However, this should decrease and disappear completely after a few days. If the pain persists or even intensifies, inform your doctor.

Healthy gum appearance. The soft tissues around the implants should not be swollen or inflamed. As they heal, they should turn a healthy pink color.

Implant stability. The metal posts should remain in place and show no signs of mobility.

Absence of bleeding. Right after surgery, there may be some bleeding from the implant site. However, the bleeding should be minor and usually stops within a day or two. If it continues or worsens, see a dentist.

Absence of infection. Persistent swelling, redness of the gums around the implant, and pus discharge are signs of infection. If not treated quickly, peri-implantitis may occur. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about the problem promptly.

Any worrying changes, doubts about the healing process, or unpleasant sensations are reasons to visit the clinic. The doctor will examine the area, conduct diagnostics if necessary, and provide further recommendations.

How to treat or prevent gum recession after dental implantation

The best prevention of gum tissue loss or excessive tissue growth after implant placement is good oral hygiene and following the doctor's recommendations. At night, it is useful to wear a mouthguard to protect the implants and the crowns on them from damage due to nighttime teeth grinding.

If gum recession or other soft tissue issues around the implant lead to aesthetic concerns or cause discomfort or pain, the doctor will suggest treatment appropriate to the specific clinical situation.

At an early stage, gum recession can be treated with therapeutic injections that stimulate metabolic processes.

In cases of significant soft tissue loss, grafting may be required.

If the gum around the implant is overgrowing, surgical intervention will be necessary. The excess tissue will need to be removed.

The AESTHETE Dental Clinic is located in Dubai (UAE), Bluewaters Island. It is a modern medical center staffed by highly qualified doctors. If you are experiencing issues with gum growth around dental implants, contact us! The dentist will determine the cause of the recession or excessive soft tissue growth and offer solutions to correct the situation.

The clinic’s attentive administrators are ready to answer your questions. They will help you choose a convenient time to visit the dentist and explain how to schedule a consultation.

Referense