Can You Get Dental Implants With Gum Disease?

by Andrew Mueller, DMD, MD | Oct 15, 2024

If you have damaged or missing teeth and are exploring potential treatment options, you’ve undoubtedly already spent some time researching dental implants. As the gold standard in restorative dentistry, implants offer a permanent tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and functions more like natural teeth than any other.

But what if you’re among the 42% of adults in the U.S. who suffer from some form of gum disease? Does this impact your eligibility to receive dental implants or disqualify you as a candidate altogether?

The answer is: It depends.

Gum disease can be a contributing factor to implant failure, but just because you have gum disease doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to enjoy the many benefits of healthy implants for years to come.

A variety of different factors can impact the decision of whether or not to place dental implants when gum disease is present. These may include the extent of gum tissue and/or jawbone loss, the type of implant procedure being performed, the overall health and oral hygiene habits of the patient, and of course, the knowledge and skill of the dentist or specialist placing the implants.

At Doctors Implants, our team of leading doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons possesses the expertise, experience, and cutting-edge technology to work with many patients whom other oral health professionals turn away. We regularly achieve successful outcomes for people who have been diagnosed with gum disease and can help you discover a path forward toward the brighter, healthier smile of your dreams.

Ready to learn more? Contact Doctors Implants today to book your free Doctor Consultation!

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums that can become progressively worse over time and ultimately spread to the jawbone and even other parts of the body if not effectively managed. The leading cause of tooth loss among American adults, the condition is characterized by symptoms including swelling and inflammation in the gums, receding gum tissue, bad breath and, in advanced cases, the shifting or loss of teeth.

Gum disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria-containing plaque on surfaces and crevices in the mouth, which turns into more permanent tartar when not properly removed. It can also be exacerbated by genetic factors as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet. The development of other health issues including heart attack, stroke, and diabetes has also been linked to periodontal disease.

Gum disease often begins with mild symptoms such as gingivitis (swelling and redness of the gums) before progressing to become periodontitis, a more severe form of the condition. Once tissue and bone loss have occurred, gum disease may not be treatable, but its symptoms can usually be effectively managed with proper care and oral hygiene habits.

Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Common symptoms of gum disease include the following:

  • Redness, swelling, and ongoing inflammation of the gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • The formation of gaps or pockets between teeth
  • Pus in the gums or between teeth
  • Teeth that feel loose or drift over time
  • Tooth loss

If you are noticing one or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral health specialist. Waiting to see whether or not symptoms will resolve on their own will likely only lead to an increase in risks, complications, and discomfort down the road.

Will Gum/Periodontal Disease Cause Tooth Loss?

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, but just because you’ve been diagnosed with the condition doesn’t mean that losing one or more teeth is inevitable.

When periodontal disease progresses to a point where soft gum tissue has become severely damaged, bacteria are more likely to move deeper into the mouth and begin to also eat away at the jawbone. This type of irreversible tissue destruction may cause instability in the teeth and lead to their loss. In addition, the pocket left behind by a missing tooth can further perpetuate the spread of bacteria and result in even more tissue degeneration and missing teeth.

Fortunately, not all cases of gum disease lead to tooth loss, and this outcome can usually be avoided with proper oral hygiene and management of the condition.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can often be effectively reversed, but once the condition has progressed to the point where tissue has been lost, damage is frequently irreversible. That being said, periodontal disease can usually be effectively managed with regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and consistently excellent oral hygiene habits.

When it comes to periodontal disease, prevention is truly the best treatment which is why, at Doctors Implants, we recommend that our patients stay vigilant for signs of the condition and book an appointment immediately if they have any concerns about the health of their gums.

Deep Cleanings

Scheduling regular dental or periodontal cleanings to professionally remove plaque and tartar is one of the most impactful steps you can take in preventing and/or managing gum disease. Specialized ultrasonic cleaning tools may be used to scale plaque from the teeth and smooth out root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching.

At-Home Treatments

Adhering to a rigorous oral hygiene schedule is also a key component of gum disease prevention, treatment, and management. At Doctors Implants, we recommend brushing your teeth or implants twice daily, using a Waterpik, and completing your oral hygiene routine with antibacterial mouthwash.

Does Gum Disease Disqualify A Candidate For Dental Implants?

No, not necessarily. Placing full mouth dental implants when gum disease is present is never ideal. That being said, nearly half of adults have some form of gum disease and this does not necessarily disqualify them from receiving a new smile and achieving their oral health goals.

At Doctors Implants, our exceptional team of doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has the experience and expertise necessary to successfully take on complex cases, including those involving periodontal disease. Time and again, we work with patients who were previously told they were not suitable candidates for dental implants and we are able to witness their joy when they see their brand-new smile for the first time.

The 6 Hour Smile is a groundbreaking full mouth or full-arch dental implant procedure that has been refined thousands of times over by our top doctors. If your case is complex, we’ll customize our approach, using advanced technology to achieve precise and long-lasting results.

What Happens If You Develop Gum Disease After An Implant Procedure?

Gum disease that develops after an implant procedure is known as peri-implantitis, and it can lead to implant failure if not treated or managed appropriately. As with natural teeth, preventing gum disease in the first place with regular check-ups/professional cleanings, and impeccable oral hygiene habits is the best way to keep implants healthy.

If you do notice signs of peri-implantitis, such as bleeding or receding gums, bad breath, or an implant that is loosening or has threads showing, contact us immediately to book an appointment.

Doctors Implants Can Perform Dental Implant Surgery When Other Doctors Have Said No

At Doctors Implants, we specialize in the treatment of complex cases and, as long as you are committed to properly managing the health of your gums, we’ll do everything we can to support you in achieving the comfort, confidence, and quality of life that comes with a stunning new smile. We’ve never turned away a patient due to bone loss and look forward to helping you move forward on your journey to full mouth dental implants.

To learn more, schedule a free consultation! We look forward to meeting you.

About the Author

Andrew Mueller, DMD, MD

Dr. Andrew Mueller loves being an oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. After completing both dental and then medical school, he did a general surgery residency and an oral/maxillofacial surgery residency (both at Parkland hospital in Dallas, Texas). He has performed countless general anesthetics in the operating room, learning how to safely put patients to sleep and wake them back up.

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