A Common Question with a Complicated Answer
If you’re researching dental implants, you may have already come across the problem of gum disease. For many patients, it’s the reason their teeth are loose or failing in the first place. Understandably, the question we hear most often at EvoDental is:
“Can I still have dental implants if I have gum disease?”
The honest answer is: yes, in many cases you can – but only once the disease is controlled and the mouth is healthy enough to support implants. In fact, for patients who have already lost teeth due to gum disease, implants are often the best way to restore function and prevent further bone loss.
This article will explain:
- What gum disease is and why it affects implant suitability.
- How implants can still be possible after gum disease.
- What treatment steps may be required before implants.
- Why EvoDental’s advanced full jaw solution is ideal for patients who’ve struggled with gum problems.
Understanding Gum Disease
The Two Main Stages
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. It usually progresses in two stages:
- Gingivitis – the early stage, where gums become swollen, red, and bleed easily. At this stage, there is no permanent damage and the condition is reversible with proper cleaning.
- Periodontitis – the advanced stage, where bacteria causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets of infection. Over time, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed.
Why Gum Disease Is So Serious
Unlike a cavity, gum disease affects the foundation of the teeth. As bone and soft tissue are lost, teeth loosen and eventually fall out. Many of the patients we see at EvoDental have lived for years with untreated gum disease, leading to multiple failing teeth or complete tooth loss.
Why Gum Health Matters for Dental Implants
Dental implants are not just placed into the gum – they are embedded in the jawbone. For them to succeed, they need a stable foundation of both healthy bone and healthy gum tissue.
- If gum disease is still active when an implant is placed, infection can spread to the implant site.
- This can cause peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease but around an implant, leading to failure.
- Even if the implant integrates at first, untreated gum disease increases the risk of long-term complications.
This is why most dentists will say: you cannot have implants if you have untreated gum disease.
But this doesn’t mean implants are off the table forever. With the right care, many patients who once had severe gum disease go on to have successful implant treatment.
Treating Gum Disease Before Implants
Step One: Remove Infection
The first step is always to control the gum infection. This may involve:
- Professional cleaning beneath the gumline (scaling and root planing).
- Antibiotics in some cases.
- Improved home care to prevent bacteria from returning.
Step Two: Assess the Damage
If gum disease has already caused tooth loss or bone loss, we use 3D scans to see how much foundation remains for implants. In general:
- Mild to moderate periodontitis may leave enough bone for traditional implants.
- Severe cases may require advanced techniques to anchor implants in alternative sites.
Step Three: Replace Failing Teeth
For many of our patients, gum disease has already destroyed teeth beyond repair. Rather than attempting to save failing teeth with ongoing treatment, we often recommend removing them and replacing them with a fixed implant bridge – eliminating infection and restoring the smile at the same time.
Can You Have Dental Implants After Gum Disease?
Yes – once gum disease is under control, dental implants can be an excellent solution. In fact, implants may actually help by:
- Providing a permanent, stable foundation for replacement teeth.
- Helping to preserve bone in the jaw, which continues to shrink after tooth loss.
- Allowing patients to avoid dentures, which can irritate gums and accelerate bone loss.
The key is that the mouth must be healthy at the time of surgery. Gum disease cannot be ignored or worked around – but it doesn’t have to stop you from getting implants altogether.
Severe Gum Disease: Are Implants Still Possible?
Many patients come to us after being told elsewhere that they’re not suitable for implants because their gum disease has caused too much bone loss. This is where EvoDental’s expertise makes the difference.
The EvoSolution™ Advantage
Unlike traditional All-on-4 or All-in-6 approaches, our EvoSolution™ is designed specifically for patients with complex cases. Here’s why it works for people with severe gum disease:
- We use strategic implant placement in stronger bone areas such as the zygoma (cheekbone) or pterygoid bone at the back of the jaw.
- This usually eliminates the need for bone grafting, which is common in other clinics but can add months to treatment.
- Our clinics have on-site laboratories, so we can design and fit a same-day fixed bridge once implants are placed.
This means that even if gum disease has left you with very little bone in your jaws, we may still be able to provide a permanent, fixed solution.
Life Before and After Implants with Gum Disease
Before Treatment
- Loose, painful teeth that make eating difficult.
- Swollen gums that bleed easily.
- Embarrassment when speaking, smiling, or socialising.
- Dentures that slip or rub against inflamed gums.
After Treatment
- Failing teeth removed, infection gone.
- Same-day fixed bridge fitted – no more dentures.
- Natural-looking smile restored.
- Freedom to eat, laugh, and talk without worry.
- Renewed confidence and long-term oral stability.
Many patients describe the transformation as life-changing – not just because of the new smile, but because gum disease is no longer a daily worry.
Risks of Ignoring Gum Disease Before Implants
Trying to place implants without treating gum disease first can lead to serious complications:
- Peri-implantitis: an aggressive infection around the implant that mirrors gum disease.
- Implant failure: implants may not integrate or may loosen over time.
- Continued bone loss: untreated infection continues to damage the jaw.
This is why we always insist on treating the disease first – it’s about giving you the best chance of long-term success.
FAQs – Gum Disease and Dental Implants
Can I have implants if I currently have gum disease?
No, active gum disease must be treated first. Once controlled, many patients are suitable.
What if I’ve already lost teeth to gum disease?
Implants may still be possible. Full jaw solutions like our EvoSolution™ are often the best approach.
Do implants stop gum disease from coming back?
While implants cannot decay, the surrounding gum tissue can still become inflamed if oral hygiene is poor. Regular cleaning is essential.
What if I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone?
At EvoDental, we specialise in complex cases and use advanced implant sites to avoid grafting in most patients.
Is it painful to get implants after gum disease?
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic or sedation. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the process is.
Why Choose EvoDental?
- Exclusively focused on full jaw dental implants – we don’t offer general dentistry.
- Advanced techniques make treatment possible for patients with severe gum disease and bone loss.
- Same-day smile – leave with fixed teeth immediately.
- On-site labs ensure precision, speed, and quality.
- Thousands of success stories – many from patients who thought they had no options left.
Yes, Dental Implants Are Possible with Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, it doesn’t mean you have to rule out dental implants. The disease must be treated first, but with the right care and expertise, implants can restore your smile and protect your long-term oral health.
At EvoDental, we’ve helped countless patients who were told they weren’t suitable elsewhere. Our advanced EvoSolution™ gives even complex cases the chance of a fixed, functional smile.
Book a Free Consultation Today
If you’re worried about gum disease but want to explore dental implants, we’d love to help. Our consultation includes a full assessment, 3D scan, and honest advice about your options.
Call us now on 0800 470 3056 or book your free consultation online.