Can I have dental implants if I have periodontal disease?

Dental implants and periodontal diseases are perhaps one of the most complex relationships in dentistry.

Periodontitis, if not treated in time, can result in the loss of teeth and molars, which would be solved with implants. But at the same time, the disease itself translates into a decrease in available bone and a greater predisposition to bacterial infections, which in theory works against the implant.

Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the most frequently asked questions among our patients with periodontitis or gingivitis is whether they can undergo immediate load implantology.

The answer is yes in practically 100% of cases. Fortunately, advances in implant treatments and oral care make it possible to perform dental implants even in patients who have lost most of their teeth due to periodontitis.

To put this in context, periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and affects the tissues in the mouth surrounding the teeth and molars. Basically, we are talking about gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis, which causes the well-known “bleeding gums”, is an inflammation of the gums that is treatable and reversible, since the bone supporting the teeth has not been lost.

In the case of periodontitis, it is a more advanced stage of the disease that affects not only the soft tissues (gum) surrounding the tooth, but also the bone that supports it. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and even affects general health, especially in diabetic patients or those with cardiovascular problems.

Therefore, although patients with periodontal disease can have dental implants without any problem, there are some factors to be taken into account.

What should we take into account?

To begin with, the disease must be controlled before the implant is placed. This is done through a correct diagnosis of the state of health of the gums and a protocolized cleaning treatment appropriate to each specific case. The dentist then carries out a study of the general state of the mouth, and especially of the density and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. Nowadays, technological advances make it possible to reconstruct a 3D image of the jawbone and place the implants safely and predictably by means of virtual surgery.

Once the disease has been controlled and the implants have been placed, subsequent care and maintenance by the patient is essential. If correct hygiene is essential for anyone to take care of their oral health, for patients with dental implants it is even more important, as it will have a decisive influence on the maintenance and durability of their implants, because they have a weaker natural protection against pathogenic bacteria than teeth.

In addition, a visit to the dentist at least every six months is highly recommended to check the general health of the mouth, especially the implants.