Dental implants are a good option for replacing missing teeth, but they only work if the gums and jawbone that hold them in place are healthy and free from gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most significant factors to consider before and after implant treatment. Patients at Southside Dental Care are thoroughly checked to make sure their gums are healthy enough to accommodate dental implants that will last a long time.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place. It often starts as gingivitis, which causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing. If left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Because dental implants need healthy gums and bone to hold them in place, gum disease can directly affect whether or not implant treatment is suitable for you.
Can gum disease prevent dental implants?
When gum disease is present, dental implants may not be safe to place. Bacteria in the gums can slow healing and damage the bone that supports the implant.
For this reason, gum disease usually needs to be treated and brought under control before implant placement. This may involve professional cleaning, gum treatment, and ongoing maintenance to restore oral health.
At Southside Dental Care, gum health is an essential part of planning dental implant treatment in Glasgow, particularly for patients with a history of periodontal disease. Treating gum disease first helps support the long-term success of the implant.
How gum disease can affect existing implants
Gum disease can affect dental implants as well as natural teeth. When it develops around an implant, it is called peri-implant disease and can cause swelling, bone loss, and possible implant failure if not treated.
Early warning signs include bleeding gums, swelling, or tenderness around the implant. Visiting your dentist regularly allows these problems to be detected and managed early.
The role of bone health
If you have advanced gum disease, you may lose bone, which makes it harder for a tooth implant to stay in place. Before an implant can be placed, more surgery, like bone grafting, may be needed if the bone levels are too low.
This is why early intervention is so important. Treating gum disease early can help protect your bone and avoid more complicated treatments later.
Preventing gum disease before and after implants
To keep your gums healthy before and after implants, brush twice a day, floss or clean between your teeth, and attend regular dental check-ups.
Regular dental check-ups are important for people with implants. Your dentist can monitor your gums, make sure the implant is secure, and treat any early gum problems.
You can read more about implant care and suitability on our Dental Implants Glasgow page.
Are dental implants still possible after gum disease?
In many cases, yes. Once gum disease has been treated and the gums are healthy, dental implants may still be an option. Each case is different, so a thorough assessment is essential to decide on the safest and most effective approach.
Your dentist will examine your gums, jawbone, and general oral health to see if dental implants are suitable for you.
Speak to Southside Dental Care
If your gums are unhealthy or you’re worried about gum disease and implants, start with expert advice. At Southside Dental Care, we provide personalised care to keep your gums strong and help implants succeed.
To book a consultation or discuss your options, call 07743 020777 and speak to the team.
