Yes you can get dental implants if you have periodontal disease, but the gum disease usually needs to be treated and stabilised first to ensure the implants have the best chance of long term success. Dental implants are considered a reliable solution for missing teeth, with survival rates commonly reported at around 90 to 95% over 5 to 10 years. However, patients with a history of periodontal disease may face a higher risk of complications around implants if the underlying infection is not properly managed.
Understanding how gum disease affects implant treatment is important for anyone considering replacing missing teeth. With careful planning, specialist periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance, many patients with a history of gum disease can still benefit from dental implants.
What Is Periodontal Disease And Why Does It Matter For Implants?
Periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. In its advanced stage, known as periodontitis, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.
Dental implants rely on healthy bone and gum tissue to integrate successfully with the jaw. The process known as osseointegration allows the implant to fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.
If periodontal disease is active, the infection and inflammation can compromise this process. Bacteria can damage the bone and soft tissues around the implant, potentially leading to a condition called peri implantitis, which involves inflammation and bone loss around an implant.
Research suggests that peri implantitis affects roughly 20% of patients with implants, although rates vary depending on diagnostic criteria and patient risk factors. This is why controlling gum disease before implant placement is essential.
Periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues supporting the teeth.
Can Dental Implants Still Be Successful If You Have Had Gum Disease?
Yes, many patients with a history of periodontal disease successfully receive dental implants, particularly when the condition has been treated and stabilised. Studies indicate that implants in patients with periodontitis can still achieve high survival rates, often around 90%. The key difference is that these patients usually require more careful assessment, planning and long term maintenance.
A periodontist will assess several factors before recommending implant treatment. These may include the level of bone loss, the stability of the gum disease, oral hygiene habits and any other risk factors such as smoking or diabetes. If the periodontal condition is stable and the patient follows a strict maintenance programme, implant outcomes can be very predictable.
Why Must Periodontal Disease Be Treated Before Dental Implant Placement?
Treating gum disease before implant placement is critical because implants placed into infected or inflamed tissue are much more likely to fail. Active periodontal disease means that harmful bacteria are present in the mouth and can quickly colonise the implant surface. This may lead to peri implant mucositis or peri implantitis, both inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues around implants.
Managing periodontal disease typically involves removing bacterial plaque and calculus from below the gumline, reducing inflammation and improving the health of the surrounding tissues. In some cases, regenerative procedures or bone grafting may also be required to rebuild lost bone.
By stabilising the gums and supporting structures first, the implant can be placed in a healthier environment, significantly improving the chances of long term success.
What Happens If There Is Not Enough Bone Due To Gum Disease?
Advanced periodontal disease can lead to significant bone loss around teeth. Since implants require sufficient bone for stability, this may initially prevent implant placement.
However, modern periodontal and implant dentistry offers several solutions. Bone grafting procedures can rebuild lost bone, creating the volume needed to support an implant. In other cases, guided bone regeneration techniques or soft tissue grafts may also be used.
These procedures are commonly carried out by our specialist periodontist Dr Simon Stern and can make implant treatment possible even for patients who have experienced severe gum disease in the past.
How Can Patients Reduce The Risk Of Dental Implant Complications?
Long term dental implant success relies heavily on good oral hygiene and ongoing professional care. Patients with a history of periodontal disease must usually follow a structured maintenance programme.
This often includes regular periodontal reviews, professional cleaning and monitoring of the implant and surrounding tissues. Maintaining excellent home care, including brushing and interdental cleaning, is equally important.
Lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking and managing systemic health conditions can also reduce the risk of complications. By combining specialist treatment with good maintenance, many patients with previous gum disease can enjoy stable and long lasting implant results.
Long term dental implant success relies heavily on good oral hygiene and ongoing professional care.
The Bottom Line
Having periodontal disease does not automatically rule out dental implants. In most cases, implants can still be placed successfully once the gum disease has been treated and stabilised. Careful assessment, appropriate periodontal therapy and ongoing maintenance are key to protecting both the implant and the surrounding tissues.
For patients concerned about gum disease and tooth loss, specialist care can make a significant difference. The Perio Centre, based in Harley Street in London, provides expert periodontal diagnosis and treatment, helping patients manage gum disease and determine whether dental implants are the right option for restoring their smile.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
