Can you get Dental Implants if you have gum disease? Heres what dentists check first

In normal cases, it’s yes. You can get Dental Implants if you have the gum diseases. But need to check the infection is not active.

Implants need healthy, strong gum tissue and enough surrounding bone to stay stable for a longtime. If gum disease is active dentist will control the infection before placing any implants.

Ensign Dental Care offers patients a detailed examination of their gums and teeth, imaging and implant planning all in one place. The clinic is equipped to check gum health and readiness for implants, led by Dr. Arshin Hotchandani, a specialist prosthodontist with advanced training in implantology, and supported by Dr. Vasundhra Hotchandani, specialist in periodontics.

Why gum health comes first

Dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jawbone. It attaches to the bone over a few months and then supports a crown, bridge or denture.  That implementation only happens when the surrounding bones and gums are healthy.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection of the tissues that support teeth. It usually starts quietly. There are many people who ignore the signs of bleeding gums while brushing, slightly red or tender gums. Over time, the infection can destroy the bone beneath your gums and create deep holes where bacteria can grow.

Implants may be impacted by those bacteria. An implant itself cannot decay, but the tissue around it can become inflamed and infected. Peri-implantitis is a condition that can cause bone loss around the implant and in certain situations, failure. This risk is significantly reduced by treating gum disease before the implant placement.

Can someone with regular gum disease still get implants?

Yes. What matters most is the current state of the gums. An active, untreated infection is the main reason to delay implant surgery. Gum disease that has been treated and is now stable is a very different situation, and many of these patients go on to have successful implants.

Each case is different depends on the individuals. So it’s better to consult your doctor decide what to do in your condition.

What the Dentist Examines Before Suggesting an Implant

Before recommending the implant doctor will check your overall dental health. The dentist will typically examine the gums and measure the pocket depths around each tooth, looking for bleeding, swelling or recession. Bone levels are checked using digital X-rays and where needed, advanced 3D imaging, which gives a clear picture of bone height, width and the position of important structures like nerves and sinuses.

How Gum infection treated before the Implants

Treatment for gum disease typically starts with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This is to remove the plaque and tartar from the root portions to help strengthen and heal the gums around the teeth.

After the deep cleaning, the gums are checked over the following weeks. The dentist checks whether inflammation is settling and pocket depths are reducing. In more severe cases, a periodontist may recommend additional treatment to control the infection and protect the remaining bone. The implant plan will only proceed once the gums have gained the strength.

Implant treatment for gum disease usually happens in stages. The dentist first checks your gums, teeth and bone, then treats any active infection and lets the gums heal. Once things are stable, they decide whether to place the implant and whether bone rebuilding is needed. Ensign Dental Care also offers nitrous sedation for patients who feel anxious during longer appointments or treatments.

So, can you get the Implants?

In many cases, yes, once the gum disease is identified, treated and kept under control. A proper assessment will show whether you’re ready for implants now or need gum treatment first.

The specialists at Ensign Dental Care can help you find out about your options for replacing your tooth and select the treatment that is best for the needs of your oral health. If you’ve had gum disease earlier or have lost teeth, make an appointment with your dentist to see if dental implants are a good option for you.