Tooth Replacement Due to Gum Disease: What You Need to Know
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults in Malta and around the world. What makes it so dangerous is how quietly it progresses. At Drs Demajo Dental Clinics, we often meet patients who only seek help when it’s already too late, when the damage is done, and tooth replacement becomes the only option.
In this blog, our skilled dentists will walk you through the signs of gum disease, how it leads to tooth loss, and the modern treatment options available, including dental implants right here in Malta.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) doesn’t always cause pain, making it easy to ignore until serious issues arise. There are a few warning signs you can look out for:
- Discoloured or Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums are pink and firm. If you notice a dark greyish line near the teeth or bright red, swollen gums that bleed easily, it’s time to book a dental check-up. Gum tissue between the teeth may also begin to recede or disappear.
- Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath isn’t always caused by what you eat. In many cases, it’s a sign of underlying gum disease. Deep cleaning below the gum line, performed by our expert dental hygienists in Malta, can significantly improve breath, taste, and overall comfort.
- Tooth Mobility and Shifting
Teeth naturally move slightly over time, but excessive movement or shifting, especially in the front teeth, is often a red flag. You may notice gaps, protruding teeth, or teeth that appear longer as gums recede.
- Large Cavities and Unrestored Teeth
Cavities that go untreated can reach the nerve of the tooth within three years, requiring complex treatments like root canal therapy. In advanced cases, the tooth may be beyond saving and needs extraction.
- Missing Teeth by Your 40s
It’s not uncommon for adults to begin losing back teeth without much concern, especially if they aren’t visible when smiling. However, missing teeth affect how you chew, speak, and how the remaining teeth function and shift.
Why should you act early?
Routine visits to the dentist, ideally twice a year, can prevent gum disease from progressing. When left untreated, periodontal disease leads to bone loss around the teeth, gum recession, tooth mobility, and eventually, tooth loss.
At Drs Demajo Dental Clinic in Malta, our periodontal treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs, involving techniques such as:
- Scaling and Root Planing (deep cleaning below the gums)
- Oral hygiene coaching
- Tooth stabilisation
- Tooth replacement via implants or bridges when needed
Tooth Replacement in Malta: A Real Case Study
Let us share a success story from our clinic:
A middle-aged woman came to us concerned about her rotating and protruding front tooth. It was longer than before and moving outwards. X-rays showed that there was very little gum and bone support left, although there was still enough bone higher up to support an implant. Despite the lack of pain, she wanted a long-term and aesthetic solution. After evaluating her case, we recommended a dental implant, the most natural and permanent tooth replacement option available.
Her Treatment Journey:
- Same-Day Implant Placement
We extracted the tooth and inserted a dental implant on the same day. A temporary plastic tooth was placed immediately for cosmetic purposes. - Final Aesthetic Restoration
Four months later, the temporary tooth was replaced with a customised zirconium post and an all-ceramic, metal-free crown, giving her a beautiful, functional, and natural-looking smile.
Tooth replacement should never be taken lightly, and neither should gum disease. At Drs Demajo Dental Clinic, we’re proud to offer advanced periodontal treatments and dental implant services in the heart of Malta. Whether you need a simple hygiene session or a full-mouth restoration, our experienced dental team is here to help you regain your smile and confidence.
Book Your Appointment Today. If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease or are concerned about missing or mobile teeth, get in touch with us today.
