Reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Wagner
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Dental implants require healthy gums and bone for long-term success. If you have gum disease, you may still be a candidate for implants, but treatment is needed first to create a healthy foundation for healing and stability.
How Gum Disease Affects Dental Implants
Gum disease is an infection that damages the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. Because dental implants rely on these structures for support, untreated infection can increase the risk of complications and affect long-term success.
When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to:
- Bone loss that reduces implant support
- Ongoing inflammation in the gums
- Delayed healing after surgery
- Increased risk of peri-implantitis, an infection around a dental implant
A periodontal evaluation helps determine whether gum disease is present, how much bone support remains, and whether treatment is needed before implant placement.
Treating Gum Disease Before Dental Implants
Before dental implants can be placed, any active gum disease must be treated to eliminate infection and stabilize the gums and supporting bone. The specific approach depends on the severity of the disease and your overall periodontal health.
Treatment may include:
- Scaling and root planing to remove plaque and bacteria below the gumline
- Laser periodontal therapy to target infected tissue and reduce bacterial buildup
- Antimicrobial therapy to help control infection and inflammation
- Periodontal maintenance visits to monitor healing and prevent disease recurrence
The goal of treatment is to create a healthy environment for healing and provide the stable foundation dental implants need for long-term success.
What If Gum Disease Has Caused Bone Loss?
Even if periodontal disease has already caused bone loss, dental implants may still be possible. Periodontists have specialized training in procedures that help rebuild the structures supporting the teeth and implants. Depending on your needs, treatment may include bone grafting procedures such as ridge augmentation or a sinus lift.
Specialized Care for Complex Implant Cases
Dental implants and periodontal disease are closely connected. As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Rebecca Wagner has advanced training in both the treatment of gum disease and the placement of dental implants. This unique combination of expertise allows her to evaluate the health of the gums, supporting bone, and implant site as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
For patients with bone loss, gum recession, or a history of periodontal disease, treatment may involve more than simply replacing a missing tooth. Dr. Wagner provides advanced periodontal and regenerative procedures designed to rebuild and preserve the structures that support long-term implant success.
At The Wagner Centre, every treatment plan is customized to the patient’s oral health, goals, and clinical needs. Whether you require periodontal therapy, bone grafting, or dental implant placement, the focus is on creating a healthy, stable foundation for lasting results.
Periodontist in Chambersburg, PA
If you have gum disease and are considering dental implants, a periodontal evaluation can help determine the best path forward.
To schedule an appointment at our periodontal office in Chambersburg, PA, call (717) 263-0606 or visit us at 129 Chambers Hill Dr, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
FAQ
Untreated periodontal disease can increase the risk of infection and bone loss around an implant, potentially affecting its long-term stability.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of the disease and the type of treatment performed. Your periodontist will recommend the appropriate healing period.
Many patients with a history of gum disease can successfully receive dental implants once the infection has been treated and the gums and bone have stabilized.
Peri-implantitis is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding a dental implant. Without treatment, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure.
