If you’re missing teeth, you’ll know how much it can impact your confidence and your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy life. Dental implants are one of the most effective, long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. But if you have gum disease, you might be wondering: can I still get dental implants?
At Melbourne Dental Implant and Sleep Centre, we help patients navigate these questions every day. Let’s take a closer look at how gum disease affects your options, and what steps you can take to protect your oral health.
Understanding Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. It usually progresses through two stages.
- Gingivitis is the early stage. Gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush or floss. At this point, the condition is reversible with proper treatment.
- Periodontitis is more advanced. The infection spreads deeper, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated.
Signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, sensitivity, and changes in your bite. Early detection is crucial, as advanced gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
Why Gum Health Matters for Dental Implants
Dental implants rely on healthy gums and strong bone to succeed. The titanium post needs to fuse securely with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If you have active gum disease, it can cause infection around the implant site, prevent proper healing, and compromise the stability of the implant.
Healthy gums are essential for supporting the implant and protecting the bone underneath. Without them, the risk of implant failure increases significantly.
Can You Still Get Implants If You’ve Had Gum Disease?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on a few important factors.
- Severity of Gum Disease
If you have mild gingivitis, it’s usually treatable before moving ahead with implants. However, with advanced periodontitis and significant bone loss, you may need additional procedures such as bone grafting before implants can be considered. - Treatment Status
Dental implants aren’t placed while gum disease is active. Your gums must first be treated and stabilised. If your periodontal condition has been managed and is under control, implants may still be an option. - Bone Density
Severe gum disease often leads to bone deterioration. Implants need a solid foundation, so if you’ve lost too much bone, grafting might be necessary to rebuild support. - Commitment to Oral Hygiene
A strong oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are critical. Patients who have battled gum disease must be especially committed to maintaining their implants properly for the long term.
How Gum Disease Is Treated Before Implant Placement
Treating gum disease is the first step before considering implants. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria from below the gumline. Antibiotics may also be used to control infection. In more advanced cases, surgical treatments like flap surgery or bone grafting might be needed to restore healthy tissues.
Once your gum disease is managed, we’ll reassess your suitability for dental implants and plan the next steps accordingly.
What Happens If Gum Disease Isn’t Treated First?
Trying to place dental implants without addressing gum disease can lead to serious complications. Some of the biggest risks of dental implants include:
- Peri-implantitis
This is an infection around the implant that mirrors advanced gum disease. It leads to gum and bone destruction and, ultimately, implant failure. - Implant Instability
If the surrounding gum and bone aren’t healthy, the implant may not integrate properly, leading to looseness or early failure. - Spread of Infection
Bacteria can travel from infected gums to the implant site, causing further problems not only in the mouth but throughout the body. - Accelerated Bone Loss
Ongoing gum disease can quickly erode the bone needed to keep the implant secure.
That’s why treating gum disease isn’t just a recommendation—it’s an essential part of implant success.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For After Implant Placement
Even if your implants are placed successfully, gum health remains crucial. Signs that something might be wrong include pain, swelling, bleeding around the implant, gum recession, bad breath, and mobility of the implant crown. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist straight away.
Long-Term Success of Implants in Patients with Treated Gum Disease
Studies show that people who’ve had gum disease can still enjoy long-term success with dental implants, as long as they’re diligent about their oral health. Maintaining good hygiene habits, attending regular professional cleans, and avoiding risk factors like smoking make all the difference.
With the right care, patients with a history of gum disease can achieve implant success rates similar to those without previous gum problems.
How to Look After Your Implants (Especially If You’ve Had Gum Disease)
If you’ve battled gum disease in the past, taking care of your implants is even more important. This means brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, using antibacterial mouth rinses if recommended, and visiting your dentist every three to four months for maintenance.
Lifestyle habits matter too. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor diet can all negatively impact your gum health and your implants.
Are Implants the Right Choice for You?
Having gum disease doesn’t automatically rule you out from getting dental implants, but it does mean extra care and planning are needed. Treating gum disease properly before implants are placed is crucial to your success.
At Melbourne Dental Implant and Sleep Centre, we specialise in helping patients with complex dental needs, including those with a history of periodontal disease. Our team will work with you to get your gums healthy first, then guide you through every step of the implant journey.
If you’re ready to explore your options, call 1800 IMPLANT or book a consultation online. We’ll help you achieve a healthier, stronger smile—starting with a solid foundation.