Can You Have Dental Implants If You’ve Had Gum Disease or Receding Gums?
If you’ve had gum disease (periodontitis) or noticed your gums receding, you may wonder whether dental implants are still an option. At Teeth & Face in Birmingham, we help many patients restore their smiles even after previous gum problems, with the right treatment and planning.
How dental implants work and why bone health matters
A dental implant is a small titanium screw placed into your jawbone. It acts as a replacement root, holding a new crown, bridge or denture firmly in place. You can learn more about how dental implants work.
For implants to succeed, the surrounding bone and gum tissue must be healthy and stable. That’s why your dentist will assess your bone levels and gum health before recommending treatment.
How gum disease affects dental implants
Gum disease happens when bacteria build up around the teeth and gums, causing inflammation, bleeding and eventually bone loss. This same bone supports your teeth and would also support a dental implant.
If the bone is damaged, the implant needs careful preparation to ensure it’s secure and long-lasting.
Can you still have dental implants after gum disease?
In most cases, yes, you can have dental implants even if you’ve had gum disease, as long as the infection has been treated and your mouth is stable.
Before treatment, we’ll check:
- That your gums are free from active inflammation or bleeding
- That you have enough bone to support the implant
- That you can maintain excellent oral hygiene at home
If there has been bone loss, a bone graft or guided tissue regeneration can often rebuild the area before placing your implant.
Dental implants and receding gums
Receding gums don’t automatically rule out dental implants. The main goal is to ensure your gum tissue is thick, healthy and strong enough to protect the implant. Sometimes, a gum graft can be used to improve the appearance and strength of the gum before implant placement, helping to create a natural, long-term result.
Meet our Gum Specialist, Dr Monica Campos Gallego
How to care for dental implants after treatment
Once your implants are fitted, they need the same level of care as natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush
- Clean carefully between teeth and around the implant using floss or interdental brushes
- Visit your hygienist regularly for professional cleaning
Patients who’ve had gum disease before should attend regular implant maintenance visits to prevent recurrence.
Your next step: expert implant care in Birmingham
Having had gum disease or gum recession doesn’t mean you can’t have implants; it just means an experienced team should handle your treatment. At Teeth & Face, our implant dentists and gum specialists in Birmingham work together to plan each case carefully, restore lost bone or gum tissue where needed, and deliver predictable, long-lasting results.
Teeth & Face is a leading private dental clinic in Birmingham, offering dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and gum health treatments for patients across Edgbaston, Harborne, Moseley and surrounding areas.
Book now to find out if you’re suitable for treatment.
Book online or call 07485 788087.
