Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: 4 minutes
Having gum disease now—or having been treated for it in the past—does not necessarily rule out dental implants. Your current gum health, the amount of supporting bone available, and how well the disease can be controlled will all help determine whether implant treatment is possible.
Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Gum Disease?
A history of gum disease does not automatically prevent you from getting dental implants. However, active gum disease generally needs to be treated before an implant is placed.
Periodontitis can damage the gums and supporting bone around natural teeth. Because a dental implant depends on healthy surrounding tissues and adequate bone for support, placing one while active disease is present may interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
At Young Dental, we provide periodontal treatment to address gum disease and evaluate your oral health before moving forward with dental implant treatment.
What Needs to Happen Before Dental Implant Treatment?
If active gum disease is found during your evaluation, it should be treated before moving forward with dental implant placement. The type of care needed depends on whether inflammation is limited to the gums or has progressed to periodontitis.
Treatment may include:
- A professional dental cleaning and improved home care for gingivitis
- Scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline for periodontitis
- Additional periodontal treatment for more advanced disease
- Reevaluation after treatment to check the health of the gums
Once inflammation and infection are controlled, the gums and supporting tissues can be evaluated to determine whether you are ready for dental implant placement.
What If Gum Disease Has Caused Bone Loss?
Bone loss is an important consideration because a dental implant must be surrounded by enough healthy jawbone to remain stable.
If periodontal disease has resulted in significant bone loss where the implant needs to be placed, a bone graft may be recommended. Bone grafting places grafting material in areas where there is not enough bone, providing a foundation for new bone growth as the area heals.
Not everyone with bone loss requires grafting. Imaging, including dental X-rays or a CBCT scan when appropriate, can help determine how much bone is available and whether additional treatment is needed before implant placement.
Maintaining Healthy Gums With Dental Implants
Patients with a history of gum disease need to commit to ongoing periodontal maintenance after implant placement. These visits are different from routine dental cleanings and may be recommended more frequently based on your gum health and risk factors.
During maintenance visits, plaque and tartar are removed from around the implant and natural teeth. The gums, bone levels, and implant stability are also monitored so that early signs of inflammation can be addressed before they lead to bone loss.
Between visits, brush twice a day and clean carefully around the implant and between neighboring teeth using the tools recommended by your dental team. Consistent home care and professional maintenance work together to protect the tissues supporting your implant.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
If you have a history of gum disease and are considering dental implants, an evaluation can determine whether your gums and jawbone are healthy enough for treatment.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, call (415) 392-8611. Visit us at 490 Post St STE 830, San Francisco, CA.
FAQs
How long after gum disease treatment can I get a dental implant?
There is no single waiting period. The timing depends on the severity of the gum disease, the treatment performed, how well the tissues respond, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are needed.
Can you get dental implants after losing teeth to gum disease?
Potentially. Losing a tooth to periodontal disease does not automatically prevent implant treatment. Your gum health and available jawbone will need to be evaluated first.
Can gum disease cause a dental implant to fail?
Disease around an implant can damage the supporting tissues and bone. If enough bone is lost, the implant may eventually become unstable and fail.
Do dental implants prevent gum disease from coming back?
No. Replacing a tooth with an implant does not prevent periodontal problems elsewhere in the mouth, and inflammation can also develop in the tissues surrounding an implant. Consistent home care and regular professional maintenance remain important.