Implants have a well-earned reputation for restoring smiles: they look natural, feel secure, and help you eat comfortably again. But because they rely on healthy gums and strong bone to stay in place, gum disease can complicate things.
Gum disease causes inflammation and infection that can damage the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. When left untreated, it’s one of the leading reasons people lose teeth in the first place.
So, when getting a dental implant in Tamarac, it makes sense to ask whether that same condition might rule out implants or at least require extra steps to make them successful.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops when bacteria in plaque start to irritate and inflame your gums. It usually begins as gingivitis, the milder stage.
Gingivitis causes redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes bleeding when you brush or floss. The positive news is that with good brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, gingivitis can be reversed before it causes any lasting damage.
When gum disease advances without treatment, it turns into periodontitis. This is a much more serious problem. As plaque and tartar spread below the gumline, they trigger inflammation that breaks down the bone and connective tissue keeping your teeth anchored.
Over time, this bone loss can cause your gums to recede, your teeth to loosen, and eventually, lead to tooth loss.
The straightforward answer is no—at least, not right away.
When active gum infection is present, the conditions simply aren’t right for placing an implant. Think of it like trying to build a sturdy fence in soil that’s crumbling away—it’s unlikely to stay secure for long.
Active periodontal disease can:
However, having gum disease doesn’t automatically disqualify you forever. Many patients with a history of periodontal problems become good candidates once their condition is brought under control.
The most important factor is resolving any infection and rebuilding a healthier foundation in your mouth before the implant procedure is planned.
If your dentist diagnoses gum disease, they’ll recommend a treatment plan to restore health to your gums and supporting bone. This step is essential to give your implant the best chance of long-term success.
Treatment usually starts with deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. The process removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from beneath your gumline. By cleaning these areas thoroughly, inflammation can begin to subside, and your gums have a chance to heal.
In some cases, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed. Medications—either as rinses, gels, or pills—help eliminate bacteria that can be difficult to remove with cleaning alone.
If your gum disease has progressed significantly, periodontal surgery might be necessary. Surgical procedures can reduce deep pockets where bacteria collect or rebuild lost tissue.
When bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is often recommended to restore the volume needed to support an implant. The procedure uses graft material to encourage your jawbone to regenerate over time.
While these treatments may sound intimidating at first, they are common steps that help prepare your mouth for implants. They also protect your overall health by preventing further progression of periodontal disease.
Many people who have completed these treatments go on to receive implants successfully.
Once gum disease has been properly managed, implants can be a safe, effective way to replace missing teeth. That said, it does require an ongoing commitment to care.
Because implants can be vulnerable to peri-implantitis, an infection around the implant itself, excellent daily oral hygiene and consistent professional care are critical. Peri-implantitis can damage the bone supporting the implant, and if it isn’t treated early, it may eventually lead to implant failure.
Remember that this isn’t a reason to avoid treatment, just a reminder that implants, like natural teeth, need regular maintenance. With the right care, most patients enjoy many years or even decades of function and confidence with their implants.
As an investment in your health and quality of life, your implant needs some attention to stay in great condition.
Here are a few key habits that help protect your implant and your gums:
These steps quickly become second nature and make a tremendous difference in protecting your investment. Consistency is the best way to help your implants look and function beautifully for years to come.
The bottom line is that while active gum disease will need treatment before implant placement, many people with a history of periodontal disease are still able to receive implants successfully. What matters most is creating a healthy environment in your mouth first and committing to daily care afterward.
If you’ve dealt with gum disease and aren’t sure where to start, let us help you get the answers you need. We’ll evaluate your oral health, explain your options clearly, and create a step-by-step plan designed for lasting results. Contact us today to book your appointment!
