You've had gum disease and now need implants. Can you get implants with active or recent periodontal disease — or do you need to treat the gum disease first? Here's the clinical reality.
This is one of the most common questions implant patients ask. The answer matters for both your safety and the long-term success of any implants you receive.
Active Gum Disease: A Hard No
If you currently have active periodontal disease, implants are not recommended until the infection is under control. Placing titanium into infected tissue leads to poor integration and high failure rates.
The bacteria attacking your gums will attack the bone supporting implants too. Treating the disease first is non-negotiable.
The Treatment Timeline
Once your periodontist or dentist brings the gum disease under control, healing typically takes several months. Your dentist confirms bone levels have stabilised before proceeding with implants.
This might frustrate patients eager for a quick solution, but patience protects your investment. Well-planned implant treatment lasts decades.
What "Under Control" Actually Means
Your dentist measures pocket depths around teeth — ideally three millimetres or less. Bleeding on probing should be minimal. These indicators suggest the infection has cleared.
You'll likely need maintenance visits every three to four months rather than the standard six-month schedule. This keeps gum disease from recurring.
Bone Loss Considerations
Gum disease destroys the bone that holds teeth. This same bone provides the foundation for implants. Significant bone loss might require grafting before or during implant placement.
Your dentist assesses bone levels using 3D scanning. This technology reveals exactly what you're working with — and what grafting procedures might be needed.
Success Rates With Treated Gum Disease
Once gum disease is successfully treated, implant success rates are excellent — comparable to patients without periodontal history. The key is ongoing maintenance and excellent oral hygiene.
Studies show implants in treated periodontal patients have survival rates above 90 percent over ten years.
Your Personalised Timeline
Every patient is different. Your treatment timeline depends on how advanced your gum disease was, how you respond to treatment, and how much bone remains.
Your dentist outlines the full sequence before beginning — so you know exactly what to expect.
Take the First Step
Gum disease doesn't disqualify you from implants. It just means we take a careful, staged approach. Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice