"Can I have dental implants, if I suffer from gum disease?"

In short: yes, you can. Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, and are the best method in most circumstances. However, there are a few things to consider when replacing teeth lost due to gum disease. Let me explain.

What exactly is gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is caused by bacteria that sit between the gum and the tooth. Over time, the bacteria go deeper and deeper eventually reaching the tooth's foundation: the bone. As a response, the bone supporting the tooth will slowly dissolve, and the tooth will become loose. Gum disease acts silently, without obvious symptoms, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed from an early stage without being seen by the dentist.

My dentist told me I have gum disease, what should I do?

While bone loss cannot be brought back, there are few things that we can do to stop gum disease from getting worse. Unless it is at an advanced stage where the tooth is too loose to be saved, gum disease can be stabilised with regular deep cleaning and a good oral hygiene routine at home.

Many people feel guilty and question themselves, wondering "Why me?" or "What did I do wrong?" when diagnosed with gum disease. However, periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases affecting adults of any age. Many factors can make patients more prone to gum disease - lack of dental education, smoking, diabetes, and genetics are just a few examples, and these are often beyond our patients' control.

Dental implants and gum disease

Whenever we give a patient dental implants, our first priority is to create the healthiest possible environment. This is vital for long-term success, and is part of every case we work on. For patients who have suffered from gum disease in the past, it is particularly important. Before we place the implants, we have to stabilise and keep any pre-existing gum disease under control. The procedure is still possible, we just have to do some extra prep work!

A major benefit of dental implants is that they feel and work just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, smile, and talk with confidence. Many of our patients have shared how replacing missing teeth with dental implants has helped them regain comfort and overall well-being.

Prevention is the key

Just like natural teeth, implants can also be affected by gum disease. To ensure your implants stay healthy and cost-effective in the long term, it's important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular deep cleaning with your dental hygienist is a must! It may seem like a hassle, and an expense, but it’s much less trouble than having to address bigger problems in the future.

Follow these steps and your implants will remain strong and healthy, providing you with comfort and a beautiful smile.

To sum up, dental implants are a great choice for replacing missing teeth even if you have a history of gum disease. Taking care of your gums and keeping good oral hygiene helps your implants last longer. Patients often feel more comfortable, confident, and healthier after replacing the missing teeth with dental implants, making them a smart investment in their smile and oral health.

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