Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Pakan, DDS – Periodontist | 25+ Years Experience | Last Updated: March 2026
Yes, you can get dental implants if you have gum disease, but the gum disease must be treated first. Active periodontal disease can cause implant failure because the same bacteria that damaged your natural teeth can attack the implant. Once your gums are healthy and stable, implants can be placed with excellent success rates.
Many patients who lost teeth due to gum disease assume they are permanently disqualified from getting implants. This is not true. With proper periodontal treatment and care, most patients with a history of periodontal disease go on to have successful implant outcomes.
Dental Implants and Gum Disease – Key Facts
- ✓ Can you get implants with gum disease? Yes, after treatment
- ✓ Why treat gum disease first: Prevents infection and implant failure
- ✓ Timeline after treatment: A few weeks to 6 months depending on severity
- ✓ Implant success rate: 98% with Dr. Bernstein over 24 years
- ✓ Call 973-817-8888 for a consultation
Why Gum Disease Must Be Treated Before Implants
Dental implants require a healthy foundation to succeed. The implant needs to fuse with your jawbone and be surrounded by healthy gum tissue. Active gum disease creates conditions that work against this process.
Infection risk. Bacteria present in periodontal disease can infect the implant site. Placing an implant in an infected mouth significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
Bone loss. Gum disease destroys the bone that supports your teeth. If too much bone has been lost, there may not be enough structure to anchor an implant securely.
Gum tissue health. Implants need healthy gum tissue to heal properly and form a seal around the restoration. Inflamed or receding gums cannot provide this support.
Healing ability. Active infection can interfere with your body’s ability to heal after implant surgery. Treating gum disease first creates a healthier environment for recovery.
How Is Gum Disease Treated Before Implant Surgery?
The treatment plan depends on the severity of your gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist will evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate approach.
Professional cleaning. For mild cases, a thorough professional cleaning may be sufficient to remove plaque and tartar buildup and allow gums to heal. Learn more about how to treat gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach.
Periodontal surgery. For advanced cases, surgical procedures may be needed to access deeper pockets of infection, regenerate lost bone, or reshape gum tissue. Our periodontics department handles these procedures in office.
Bone grafting. If gum disease has caused significant bone loss, bone grafting can rebuild the foundation needed for implant placement.
Ongoing maintenance. After treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular cleanings is essential to keep gum disease from returning.
How Long After Gum Treatment Can You Get Implants?
The timeline depends on the severity of your gum disease and the treatments required. Your dentist will determine when your mouth is healthy enough for implant surgery.
| Condition | Treatment | Wait Time Before Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Mild gum disease | Cleaning or scaling and root planing | A few weeks to a few months |
| Moderate to severe | Periodontal surgery | Several months |
| Significant bone loss | Bone grafting | 3 to 6 months |
Patience during this phase is important. Waiting until your mouth is fully healed gives your implants the best chance of long term success.
Can Gum Disease Come Back After Getting Implants?
While dental implants cannot get cavities, the gum tissue around them can still become infected. This condition is called peri-implantitis, and it is similar to gum disease around natural teeth.
Peri-Implantitis Warning Signs
- Red or swollen gums around the implant
- Bleeding when brushing near the implant
- Pain or discomfort around the implant site
- Loosening of the implant
What is peri-implantitis? Peri-implantitis occurs when bacteria cause inflammation and infection in the gum tissue and bone surrounding an implant. If not treated, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure.
Risk factors. Patients with a history of gum disease are at higher risk for peri-implantitis. Other risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and diabetes.
Early detection and treatment of peri-implantitis can often save the implant. This is one reason why regular dental checkups are so important after implant placement.
How to Prevent Gum Problems Around Your Implant
Protecting your investment in dental implants requires ongoing care. These habits help keep the tissue around your implant healthy:
Implant Care Tips
- ✓ Brush twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush
- ✓ Floss every day, including around implants
- ✓ Use antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- ✓ Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings
- ✓ Avoid smoking – it increases peri-implantitis risk
Dental Implants and Periodontal Care in Newark, NJ
At Gentle Dental of NJ, we provide both periodontal treatment and dental implant services under one roof. This means you do not have to visit multiple offices to get the care you need.
What sets us apart:
Periodontist on staff. Dr. Mark Pakan specializes in treating gum disease and can prepare your mouth for successful implant placement.
Experienced implant team. Dr. Eugene Bernstein has been placing dental implants for over 24 years with a 98% success rate.
Comprehensive treatment planning. We evaluate your complete oral health and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses gum disease before implant placement. We also use dental CT scans for precise implant planning.
Bilingual staff. Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese to serve Newark’s diverse Ironbound community.
If you have gum disease and are interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation to discuss your options. We will evaluate your oral health, explain any treatments needed, and help you understand the path to a restored smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can severe gum disease be treated before implants?
Yes, even severe gum disease can often be treated to the point where implants become possible. Treatment may include deep cleaning, periodontal surgery, and bone grafting. Your dentist or periodontist will evaluate your situation and recommend the best approach.
What is peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is an infection that affects the gum and bone tissue around a dental implant. It is similar to gum disease around natural teeth. If not treated, it can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Regular dental checkups help detect this condition early.
How do I know if my gums are healthy enough for implants?
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination to assess your gum health. Signs of healthy gums include pink color, firm texture, no bleeding when brushing or flossing, and no pockets of infection around teeth. If gum disease is present, treatment will be recommended before implant placement.
Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified dentist for personalized recommendations. Call 973-817-8888 to schedule an appointment at Gentle Dental of NJ.