Dental Implants & Periodontal Disease - Can You Have Both at the Same Time?

Dental implants offer the ability to completely restore and repair your smile in as few as two treatments. Patients considering dental implants should verify that their oral health is in good working order prior to implant installation. Gum health plays a crucial role in it because it’s the site of implantation and its safety determines the success

Patients with active periodontal disease should be treated beforehand because it can jeopardize the long-term success of your dental implants. This is because active periodontitis can lead to an unhealthy mouth environment, increasing the risk of infection in the gum tissue around the implant. Without previous therapy, you risk implant failure.

Because the mouth must be in good condition, other oral health issues such as tooth decay should be addressed before considering dental implants.

Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an appropriate therapeutic choice for many adults who have good overall health. Check these takeaways to see if you are an appropriate candidate.

• Dental implants are not recommended for patients under the age of 18, as their bones have not yet fully matured;

• Patients who smoke are recommended to minimize or, ideally, cease smoking prior to dental implant placement in order to maximize the long-term success of the implant(s).

Dental implants are not recommended for people who exhibit the following symptoms:

• Diabetes that is poorly treated;

• Patients with unmanaged and/or untreated gum disease or more severe periodontal disease;

• Heavy smoking.

However, each case is unique and should be evaluated on an individual basis.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Red and bleeding gums (gingivitis);

• Receding gums (teeth can appear long and thin);

• Pockets or gaps emerge between teeth;

• Persistent foul breath or taste in the mouth;

• Teeth appear to drift or migrate slowly over time.

Most Common Myths About Gum Disease

• Myths about gum disease include the fact that poor dental hygiene isn't the main cause. Gum disease can be caused by a poor diet, as well as genetics.

• Bleeding gums are not cause for concern. In fact, swollen and inflamed gums that bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating should not be ignored. Gum disease is linked to other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, so it is important to treat it as soon as possible.

• Gum disease is not uncommon. On the contrary, it is extremely frequent.

Is It Safe to Get Dental Implants If I Have Gum Disease?

Many professional and skilled implantologists agree that underlying oral health conditions, such as gum disease, must be addressed before becoming a potential candidate for dental implants.

Can I Have Dental Implants If I Have Bone Loss?

More significantly, when gum disease continues, an untreated condition can result in both tooth loss and severe bone loss. This is because periodontal disease can harm bone.

Once this occurs, additional work will be required to fully restore and rebuild your mouth's oral health. 

Patients with bone loss may undergo bone regeneration surgery to enhance the amount of bone in their jaw. This will be a critical treatment for cases of bone loss, allowing the implants to be implanted safely and securely.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Ensure an improved oral hygiene routine. To restore your gums to health, you will need to clean them thoroughly. This will include frequent examinations and cleanings with the hygienist, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and, ideally, no smoking.

Advanced Dental Treatments

Depending on the severity of the gum disease, the periodontist will thoroughly cleanse the teeth, which is a standard periodontal therapy procedure for removing tartar and plaque deposits.