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 occurs – 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. We will explain why this happens and how to solve the problem.
What factors influence 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, there may be redness and swelling. These gradually 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, failure to follow protocol, or lack of skills to prevent complications;
- low-quality implant – it may be defective or made from poor materials;
- the patient's individual health condition;
- improper or insufficient oral hygiene, neglecting to regularly brush teeth;
- untreated gum diseases;
- smoking.
Can gums grow over dental implants?
The most common issue with dental implantation is recession, i.e., gum loss. However, the opposite situation is possible – the overgrowth of soft tissues over the implant. The installation of temporary crowns helps 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 important 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 gumline to recede. As a result, the artificial roots become exposed, making them visibly noticeable, 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 deposits that cannot be removed at home – so-called tartar. Pathological processes continue beneath it. A constant bad odor emanates from the mouth. Gums may also swell, become inflamed, and change color, turning unnaturally pale or whitish.
Recession is caused by various factors:
- 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 past the gum edge.
- Incorrect oral hygiene – the patient brushes their teeth too aggressively, applying too much pressure or using a hard-bristle brush.
- Lack of hygiene – if oral care is neglected, bacterial plaque will accumulate on the teeth and in the interdental spaces.
- Gingivitis, periodontitis, and other soft tissue diseases. These cause inflammatory processes that contribute to gum recession.
- Bruxism, involuntary teeth grinding, which may intensify at night. This increases the load on the dental arch.
- Hormonal fluctuations. Problems usually arise during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty.
- 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. Simply brushing your teeth twice a day significantly reduces the likelihood 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 based on your dental needs;
- 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 healing of soft tissues 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 recession and other diseases in time, so they can be treated early when they respond better to therapy.
How to know if your implants are healing properly
You should monitor your health and pay attention to the condition of your mouth after implant surgery. There are several indicators to keep an eye on. Absence of discomfort. Immediately after implantation, you may experience some discomfort, which is normal. However, it should decrease and disappear completely after a few days. If the pain does not go away or worsens, inform your doctor. Healthy gum appearance. The soft tissues around the implants should not be swollen. 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 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, due to recession or other issues related to the soft tissues around the implant, you experience aesthetic problems or unpleasant, painful sensations, the doctor will suggest treatment appropriate for the clinical situation. At an early stage, recession can be treated with therapeutic injections that stimulate metabolic processes. In cases of severe 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 where highly qualified doctors work. 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 time to visit the dentist and explain how to schedule a consultation.
