Is it possible to undergo a dental implant after extensive gum disease? In many cases, yes, but in such cases, the gum diseases must be controlled first. Periodontitis (gum disease) can impact healthy gum tissue and the alveolar bone around teeth, and may be a factor in whether a sufficient healthy bone and gum are available to support an implant. In general, people who are good candidates for an implant should have healthy gums and enough bone to raise the implant, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

Is it possible to have Dental Implants if you have bad gum disease?

Dental implants are not impossible for someone when they have a history of having severe gum disease. However, patients with a tooth lost due to periodontal disease may be evaluated for the possibility of implants following proper periodontal therapy.

But if the patient had previously had periodontal disease, they may be at greater risk for complications with implants. Recent studies have shown that individuals with a previous diagnosis of periodontitis are at a higher risk of implant loss, peri-implantitis and marginal bone loss than individuals with no history of periodontitis.

This implies that treatment with a dental implant following gum disease cannot be done just as an implant is placed following a tooth loss, but rather, requires careful planning.

Do You Need to Treat Gum Disease Before Dental Implants? 

In general, yes, the periodontal disease must be treated first before installation of implants. This is to create a stable oral environment to minimize continuous inflammation and bacterial infection.

Your dentist or periodontist can evaluate:

• Swelling and bleeding gums
• Periodontal pockets
• Existing bone loss
• The state of the remaining teeth.
• Oral hygiene and plaque control.
• Smoking and other risk factors included.
• The quantity and quality of the available bone where the implant(s) may be placed

The evidence suggests that periodontal disease should be managed to a stable state and regular supportive periodontal care provided before the placement of implants.

What Happens If Gum Disease Causes Bone Loss?

The issue of bone loss from the jaws is also one of the major concerns with severe periodontitis. Dental implants require a certain amount of bone to support their placement, and if there is a large amount of bone loss, it may be more difficult for the implants to be held in place.

If the case is right, a dentist may want to consider treatments which may restore or even increase any loss of bone prior to implant surgery. This will vary according to the degree and site of bone loss, the state of the gums and the type of restoration being planned for the implant.

Therefore a clinical examination and suitable dental imaging are essential to determine whether sufficient bone exists for an implant to be supported.

What do patients need to know prior to having their implant placed?

If the patient has been treated extensively for periodontal disease in the past, several steps of evaluation and treatment might be required. First, the dental team has to pinpoint and remedy existing problems with the periodontia. The remaining teeth and supporting tissues are then evaluated and then the bone and implant site are evaluated.

With conditions now relatively stable, the dentist will be able to confirm the implant’s feasibility and if further treatments are necessary.

It is important since incidences of inflammatory disease also affect the implant. Periodontal pockets around an implant and loss of bone that holds the implant can occur due to peri-implantitis. Some factors that increase the risk of peri-implant disease include previous periodontal disease, inadequate plaque control, smoking and diabetes.

What to do after gum disease and dental implants?

Long-term maintenance is especially crucial for patients treated for periodontitis. Frequent dental check-ups, hygienic treatment from a dentist, good brushing and between tooth cleanings and recommendations will help to keep the tissues around the implant under control.

Studies have revealed that implants (in properly treated periodontal patients) can be done successfully with adequate long-term periodontal maintenance.

Key Takeaway

Dental implant for severe gum infection: Can you? Potentially, yes. These factors are: controlled periodontal disease, an adequate amount of remaining bone, condition of the remaining oral tissues, and patient risk profile. Previous gum disease may be severe and potentially increase the risks involved with implants; assessment and maintenance should be tailored to each individual.

When a patient wishes to have a dental implant placed after gum disease treatment, a professional assessment will help him or her see if other measures such as gingivitis treatment, bone management, or other preparatory treatment is necessary prior to having the implant placed.