I've Had Gum Disease for Many Years: Can I Get Implants?

Juhi asks:
Hi, i had a gum graft and going to get dental implants soon. My problem is that i've had gum disease for many years. I mentioned it to the dentist, but she said that's not going to cause any damage. What do you think? will my gum disease effect the implants?

Answered by: Dr. Carlos Boudet

West Palm Beach, FL

Dear Juhi,
If you have active gum disease or periodontitis, it is not recommended to put implants in your mouth until your dentist or periodontist treats the gum disease and you are able to keep it under control.

After treating your gum disease and checking every three months to make sure your gums are healthy, and that you are keeping everything clean and no bleeding or inflammation is present, then you can have dental implants placed and your chances of long term success with implants are great.

If you are not doing your maintenance properly and continue to have problems with gum disease, then it is very likely that the gum disease will also affect the implants, causing inflamation and bone loss that could lead to eventually loosing the implants.

Good luck, and I hope this answers your doubts.

Carlos Boudet, DDS, DICOI
http://www.boudetdds.com