Gum disease is one of the most common reasons adults lose teeth. If you have or had periodontitis and are considering dental implants, you likely have questions about whether it is possible. At Alameda Dental in Aurora, CO, we help patients understand the steps needed to go from active disease to a stable, long-lasting implant. The short answer is that implants are often feasible after gum disease is brought under control. Here is what you should know.
01 / Why Gum Health Matters for Implant SuccessWhy Gum Health Matters for Implant Success
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone to replace a tooth root. Over several months, the bone fuses to the post in a process called osseointegration. Healthy bone and gums are essential for this bond to occur and for the implant to stay stable long term.
Gum disease—periodontitis—is an infection that destroys the tissues supporting your teeth. It breaks down the bone and leads to receding, inflamed gums. If we place an implant while this infection is active, the same bacteria can attack the implant site. This can cause a condition called peri-implantitis, where the bone around the implant erodes. Often, this leads to implant failure. That is why we always prioritize controlling gum disease before moving forward with implant surgery.
02 / How We Assess Your CandidacyHow We Assess Your Candidacy
When you visit our office, we begin with a thorough evaluation. We measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, check for bleeding, and note any tooth mobility. We also take diagnostic images to view the bone levels beneath your gums.
Your medical history plays a role, too. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking can affect healing. We will talk with you openly about how these factors influence your treatment timeline.
At the end of your exam, we can tell you what stage of gum disease you have, whether you need treatment before implants, and what a realistic plan looks like.
03 / Treating Gum Disease FirstTreating Gum Disease First
In nearly all cases, we need to get your gums healthy before placing implants. For mild to moderate periodontitis, treatment usually involves a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline. We may also recommend a medicated mouth rinse or, in some cases, antibiotics to help reduce the bacterial load.
After this treatment, we often suggest more frequent cleanings—every three to four months—to keep inflammation under control. You will also receive guidance on improving your home care routine. Many patients respond well, and their gums become pink and firm again within a few weeks to months.
If you smoke, we will discuss cessation. Quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve healing and lower the risk of future problems around the implant. For patients with diabetes, we may coordinate with your physician to help stabilize your blood sugar levels before surgery.
04 / When Extra Support Is Needed: Bone and Gum GraftingWhen Extra Support Is Needed: Bone and Gum Grafting
Advanced gum disease often causes significant bone loss. If the jawbone is too thin or too short, it cannot support an implant. In these cases, we may recommend a bone graft. A graft adds volume by using natural or synthetic bone material. Over several months, your body integrates this material, creating a solid base.
Sometimes the gums themselves are too thin or have receded, which can affect both the look and health of the implant. A soft tissue graft, often taken from the roof of your mouth, can reinforce the area.
At Alameda Dental, we will explain whether you are likely to need grafting. For more complex cases, we work closely with trusted oral surgeons and periodontists in the Aurora area who can perform these procedures. Our team helps coordinate your care so you can move smoothly from grafting to implant placement.
05 / What the Timeline Looks LikeWhat the Timeline Looks Like
No two cases are exactly alike, but here is a typical outline:
- Initial treatment: Scaling and root planing, followed by several weeks of healing.
- Re-evaluation: We check pocket depths and inflammation. If your gums are healthy, we plan the next steps.
- Grafting (if needed): Graft procedures add about three to six months of healing time before we can place an implant.
- Implant surgery: Once the site is ready, we place the implant. The bone then needs to integrate for about three to six months.
- Final restoration: After integration, we attach the custom crown, bridge, or denture.
If you need grafting and have complex disease, the total process may take a year or longer. For simpler cases, you could receive your implant within a few months after gum treatment. We will lay out a personalized plan during your consultation so you know what to expect.
01 / Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After ImplantsKeeping Your Mouth Healthy After Implants
Your success doesn’t end on the day the implant is placed. Because you have a history of gum disease, you are at higher risk for peri-implantitis. Ongoing maintenance is critical.
We typically recommend professional cleanings every three to four months. Our hygienists are trained to clean gently around implants using special instruments that do not scratch the surface. At home, you should brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean between teeth with floss threaders or interdental brushes. If you have a full-arch restoration, a water flosser can help reach difficult areas.
Grinding your teeth at night can place excessive force on implants. We may suggest a custom night guard to protect your investment.
Pay attention to any signs of trouble: redness, swelling, bleeding around the implant, or a foul taste. If you notice these, call us promptly. Early intervention can often save an implant that is developing peri-implantitis.
02 / Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get an implant if I have gingivitis but not periodontitis? Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without bone loss. It is usually reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. Once the inflammation resolves, you likely can move forward with an implant. We still want to see healthy, non-bleeding gums before surgery.
What if I lost a tooth years ago due to gum disease, and my gums are fine now? If your periodontal health has been stable, you might be ready for an implant. We still perform a full exam to confirm there is no hidden disease and that the bone volume is adequate.
How do I know if my gum disease is under control? We look for pocket depths consistently at or below 3–4 millimeters with no bleeding when we probe. Gums should be pink and firm, not red and puffy.
Will I need bone grafting if I had gum disease? It depends on how much bone was lost. We can only determine that with imaging. Some patients with mild disease lose very little bone and do not need grafting. Others with advanced disease may need significant rebuilding.
Can I get same-day implants if I have gum disease? In most cases, no. The infection must be treated first. If you need a tooth extracted and immediate implant placement, we must be certain the site is free of active infection and has enough bone. Even then, we often place a bone graft and wait for healing before placing the implant to maximize success.
Are some types of implants better for patients with a history of gum disease? The material (titanium vs. zirconia) is less important than the health of your tissues and the quality of the cleaning you perform. Both types can work well. We select the implant design based on your anatomy and the specific tooth being replaced.
03 / What Sets Our Approach ApartWhat Sets Our Approach Apart
At Alameda Dental, we do not cut corners. We understand that losing teeth to gum disease can be discouraging, and we are here to help you rebuild your smile safely. Our team explains every step, from disease control to final restoration, and we never recommend surgery unless we are confident the foundation is solid.
If you need more specialized care, we have strong relationships with nearby surgeons and will coordinate your treatment seamlessly. Our priority is your long-term oral health, not a quick fix.
04 / Ready to Learn More?Ready to Learn More?
If you are wondering whether dental implants are possible for you, the best starting point is a conversation. Call our Aurora, CO office at (303) 343-7072 to schedule an exam. You can also visit us at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. We look forward to helping you explore your options and move toward a healthy, complete smile.
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