Yes, you can still have dental implants with receding gums. However, additional treatment may be required to ensure long term success and stability.
Gum recession is a common concern, particularly among adults over 40, and it often results from periodontal disease, ageing or overzealous brushing. Since dental implants rely not only on healthy bone but also on sufficient gum tissue to support the structure, recession must be assessed carefully before treatment can go ahead. In many cases, procedures such as bone or soft tissue grafting can make implants a viable and successful option for those with compromised gum health.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Receding gums occur when the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Periodontal disease
- Genetics
- Poor oral hygiene or plaque build-up
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
- Misaligned teeth or teeth grinding
Left untreated, gum recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of decay and eventually tooth loss. When considering dental implants, these issues must be evaluated as part of the patient’s overall oral health.
Are Dental Implants Still An Option?
Yes, but the condition of your gums and jawbone plays a significant role in determining whether implants are the right solution. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They require both healthy bone and soft tissue to integrate and remain stable over time.
When gum recession is present, concerns arise on whether there is insufficient gum tissue to cover and protect the implant, as well as potential bone loss underneath the receded areas.
In such cases, a dental implant may still be placed, but preparatory procedures might be necessary to restore the gum or bone first. A specialist, such as a periodontist, will often carry out this assessment and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
A specialist, such as a periodontist, will often carry out a dental implant.
What Preparatory Treatments Might Be Needed?
Depending on the extent of the recession and bone loss, one or more of the following treatments may be advised before implant placement:
| Gum grafting | This procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue, often from the roof of the mouth, and attaching it to the affected area. It helps rebuild the gumline and can improve the chances of implant success by providing coverage and support. |
| Bone grafting | In cases where the jawbone has receded or deteriorated due to periodontal disease or tooth loss, a bone graft may be required to build up the site and ensure there is sufficient bone for the implant to anchor into. |
| Periodontal treatment | If gum disease is still active, it must be brought under control before implants are considered. This may involve deep cleaning, antibiotics or periodontal surgery. |
Once these issues are addressed and the mouth is stable, implant placement can proceed under carefully monitored conditions.
How Successful Are Implants In People With A History Of Receding Gums?
When properly managed, dental implants can be just as successful in individuals with prior gum recession as in those with healthy gums. The key lies in planning, specialist input and appropriate post-treatment care.
According to the Association of Dental Implantology UK, dental implants have a success rate of over 95% in healthy individuals, and although this may be slightly lower in those with a history of periodontal disease or gum recession, success is still highly achievable with the right treatment and maintenance.
How Can You Maintain Gum Health After Getting Implants?
After dental implants are placed, maintaining gum health becomes an essential part of protecting your investment. Receding gums can return or worsen if oral hygiene is not kept to a high standard. Key aftercare tips include:
- Brushing gently but thoroughly twice a day.
- Using interdental brushes or floss recommended for implants.
- Attending regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments.
- Avoiding smoking, which significantly increases the risk of implant failure and gum disease.
- Following your personalised maintenance plan.
Patients with a history of gum problems may also benefit from more frequent professional cleanings and ongoing periodontal monitoring.
Patients with a history of gum problems may benefit from more frequent professional cleanings.
Who Should You See For Treatment?
If you are considering implants and have receding gums, it is important to seek care from a dental professional with expertise in both implantology and periodontology. A periodontist like Dr Simon Stern is particularly well-placed to assess the health of your gums and can provide any grafting or disease management necessary before implants are placed.
Early intervention, thorough planning and good post-operative care can all contribute to excellent long term outcomes, even in patients who have experienced gum loss.
Summary
In summary, receding gums do not automatically disqualify you from receiving dental implants. With the appropriate preparatory treatments such as gum or bone grafting and by working closely with a qualified specialist, implants can still offer a durable, functional and aesthetic solution. For many patients, this means regaining confidence in their smile, even after the challenges of gum disease or previous tooth loss.
If you have concerns about your suitability for implants due to gum recession, speak with your dentist or a periodontist. They will guide you through a tailored treatment plan that puts long term success and oral health first.
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.
