Can You Have Dental Implants if You Have Gum Disease?

Dental implants are still possible — even after gum disease

A history of gum disease does not automatically prevent you from having dental implants. What matters most is that the infection is stabilised and the mouth is healthy at the time of implant placement. With detailed planning, guided surgery, and the right implant approach, fixed teeth can often be achieved even in cases involving significant bone loss.

At Implantly, we specialise in treating patients who have been told they are “not suitable” elsewhere. Our clinical teams focus on long-term stability, infection control, and predictable outcomes.

The only way to know whether implants are right for you is through a proper clinical assessment. We provide clear, honest advice based on 3D scans, bone quality, and your long-term oral health.

 In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What gum disease is and why it affects implant suitability
• When implants are still possible after gum disease
• What treatment may be needed before implants
• How Implantly helps patients with complex gum and bone loss cases

How Gum Disease Affects Your Teeth and Supporting Bone

The two main stages of gum disease

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. It usually develops gradually and progresses through two main stages:

Gingivitis (Early gum disease)
This is the early stage of gum disease. Gums may look red or swollen and may bleed when brushing. At this point, there is no permanent damage, and the condition can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene.

Periodontitis (Advanced gum disease)
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. Bacteria begin to destroy the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, causing gums to recede and teeth to loosen. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss.

Why gum disease is such a problem

Unlike tooth decay, gum disease attacks the foundations of your teeth. As bone is lost, teeth become unstable and eventually fail. Many patients who come to Implantly have lived with this condition for years, often managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause.

Why Dental Implant Treatment Depends on Gum Health

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone, not just the gum tissue. For implants to succeed long-term, both the bone and the surrounding gums must be healthy.

If gum disease is still active when implants are placed:

• Infection can spread to the implant site
• The risk of peri-implantitis (infection around the implant) increases
• Implants may fail or loosen over time

This is why untreated gum disease must always be addressed before implant treatment. However, this does not mean implants are no longer an option – it simply means the right preparation is essential.

Treating gum disease before your dental implants implants treatment

Step 1: Eliminating the infection

The first priority is stopping the gum infection. This may involve:

• Deep cleaning beneath the gumline
• Managing inflammation and bacterial load
• Guidance on maintaining long-term gum health

Step 2: Understanding your bone structure

Once the disease is under control, we carry out detailed 3D scans to assess how much bone remains and where implants can be safely placed. Every mouth is different:

• Mild to moderate gum disease may leave sufficient bone for standard implant placement
• More advanced cases may require alternative implant positioning

Step 3: Address failing teeth

When gum disease has already compromised the teeth beyond repair, removing them and replacing them with a fixed implant solution can:

• Eliminate ongoing infection
  
• Prevent further bone deterioration
  
• Restore function and comfort in a single, planned process

Can you have dental implants after gum disease?

The good news is that once gum disease is under control, implants can still be a long-term, cost-effective solution.

Yes – once gum disease is controlled, dental implants can be a highly effective solution. They can:

• Provide a stable, fixed replacement for missing teeth
• Help preserve jawbone, which naturally shrinks after tooth loss
• Remove the need for removable dentures that may irritate the gums

The most important factor is timing. Gum disease must be treated first, and the mouth must be healthy at the time of implant placement.

What if you’ve had severe gum disease?

Some patients are told they’re not suitable for implants because gum disease has caused significant bone loss. At Implantly, we regularly help patients who’ve been turned away elsewhere.

How Implantly Treats Complex Implant Cases

Our experienced clinical teams use advanced planning and implant placement techniques that allow us to work with limited bone. This often means:

• Using stronger areas of the jaw where bone quality is better
• Avoiding bone grafting in many cases, which can otherwise extend treatment timelines
• Providing a fixed set of teeth on the same day as implant placement where clinically appropriate

Even if gum disease has left you with very little natural bone, there may still be a permanent solution available.

Why gum disease should never be ignored

Placing implants without treating gum disease first can lead to:

• Peri-implantitis
• Implant failure
• Continued bone loss

Treating the disease first is essential for long-term success and is a core part of our approach at Implantly.

Why choose Implantly for Full Mouth Dental Implants 

When it comes to dental implants, experience and precision matter. At Implantly, we combine affordability with clinical excellence:

• UK’s Lowest-Cost Full Mouth Implants – Transparent pricing with no hidden extras.
• Fixed Teeth on the Same Day – Walk in with dentures or failing teeth, walk out with a secure smile.
• World-Class Materials – Titanium implants, PMMA provisional teeth, and PMMA or Zirconia final bridges.
• Advanced Guided Surgery – Millimetre-precise placement, usually without bone grafts.
• Expert Implantologists – Led by Dr. Patryk Cesarz, delivering thousands of successful treatments.
• Patient-First Care – Sedation options, clear communication, and full aftercare support.
• Multiple UK Clinics – Making treatment accessible and convenient nationwide.

Frequently asked questions

How much does full mouth dental implants cost?
At Implantly we are proud to offer UK’s Lowest cost full mouth dental implants at £12,995. No hidden costs.
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Can I have implants if I currently have gum disease?
Active gum disease must be treated first. Once controlled, many patients can go on to have implants.

I’ve already lost teeth due to gum disease – can implants help?
Yes. Fixed full mouth dental implant solutions are often ideal in these situations.

What if I’ve been told I don’t have enough bone?
Implantly specialises in complex cases and advanced implant techniques that may avoid the need for bone grafting.

How long does full mouth surgery take?
Around 2–3 hours per jaw.

Will it be painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort and swelling for 7–10 days. Over-the-counter pain relief is typically sufficient for recovery.

Do implants last forever?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants are designed to last for decades.

Full mouth dental implants are still possible – even with a history of gum disease

A history of gum disease doesn’t automatically rule out dental implants. With proper treatment and the right clinical expertise, implants can restore your smile, comfort, and long-term oral health.

At Implantly, we’ve helped many patients who believed they had no options left. Our team is here to assess your situation honestly and guide you towards the best solution for your needs.

Book your free clinical assessment

If you’re concerned about gum disease and wondering whether dental implants are right for you, book a free consultation with Implantly today. Your assessment includes a full examination, 3D scans, and clear advice about your options.

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