No, dental implants cannot be placed while gum disease is active. However, once the infection is fully treated and your gums are healthy, most patients can safely and successfully receive dental implants.
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. It develops in two main stages:
If left untreated, gum disease damages the foundation needed to support both natural teeth and dental implants.
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. For long-term success, the implant must fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
Healthy gums and sufficient bone are essential for this process. Without them, the implant may fail.
If you currently have gum disease, dental implant surgery is not recommended. Here’s why:
Key rule: Gum disease must be completely treated before implant placement.
Yes, many patients with a history of gum disease can still get dental implants, provided their condition is stabilised.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
A thorough dental assessment is essential to determine eligibility.
At a specialist clinic, the process typically involves two key phases:
The first step is to eliminate infection and restore gum health. This may include:
You will also need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. If you're unsure about timelines, here’s a detailed guide on how long gum treatment takes.
If gum disease has caused bone loss, additional procedures may be required:
Adds bone material to rebuild the jaw and create a stable foundation
Raises the sinus floor to allow for implant placement
Options like All-on-4 implants can sometimes avoid extensive grafting by using existing bone more effectively
The waiting period depends on the severity of gum disease:
Your dentist will ensure your gums are fully stable before proceeding.
Even after successful treatment, patients with a history of gum disease have a slightly higher risk of peri-implantitis. This is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue around implants, similar to gum disease around natural teeth.
If untreated, it can lead to:
Regular maintenance and professional cleaning are essential to prevent this.
To ensure long-term success:
Prevention is the key to protecting your implants. Having gum disease does not mean you can’t have dental implants it simply means the condition must be treated first.
With proper care, expert planning, and ongoing maintenance, most patients can still enjoy a stable, natural-looking, and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Wondering if you’re eligible for dental implants?
Book a consultation today to receive a personalised assessment and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
No, dental implants cannot be placed while gum disease is active. The infection must be fully treated and your gums need to be healthy before implant surgery can be safely performed.
Yes, many patients can successfully receive dental implants after gum disease has been treated. Your dentist will assess your gum health and bone levels to determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
Healthy gums and sufficient bone are essential for implant success. They support the implant and allow it to properly fuse with the jawbone. Poor gum health can lead to infection, healing issues, and implant failure.
You can protect your implants by maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, avoiding smoking, and following your dentist’s aftercare instructions. This helps reduce the risk of conditions like peri-implantitis.
